Part 1
CLOCK SPRINGThe clock spring assembly is mounted near the top of the steering column behind the steering wheel. The clock spring is used to maintain a continuous electrical circuit between the fixed instrument panel wire harness connector on the steering column and several electrical components that rotate with the steering wheel. The rotating components include the driver airbag, the horn switch, and the vehicle speed control switches.
The clock spring cannot be repaired. If the clock spring is faulty, damaged, or if the driver airbag has been deployed, the clock spring must be replaced.
The clock spring assembly consists of a plastic case which contains a flat, ribbon-like, electrically conductive tape that winds and unwinds like a clock spring with the steering wheel rotation. The electrically conductive tape consists of several fine gauge copper wire leads sandwiched between two narrow strips of plastic film.
Like the clock spring in a timepiece, the clock spring tape has travel limits and can be damaged by being wound too tightly. To prevent this from occurring, the clock spring is centered when it is installed on the steering column. Centering the clock spring indexes the clock spring tape to other steering components so that it can operate within its designed travel limits. However, if the clock spring is removed for service or if the steering column is disconnected from the steering gear allowing the clock spring tape to change position relative to the other steering components, it must be re-centered following completion of the service or it may be damaged. Refer to Electrical, Restraints, Clock Spring, Standard Procedure - Clock Spring Centering.
CURTAIN AIRBAG
Vehicles equipped with the Side Impact Airbag System utilize two Curtain Airbags mounted in each respective side of the headliner, stretching from the middle of the A-pillar at the instrument panel along the roof line to the C-pillar at the rear shelf panel. This system is designed to protect occupants in the event of a side impact collision.
The Side Impact Airbag Control Module (SIACM) controls the curtain airbags. If the SIACM determines the impact is severe enough, the appropriate SIACM will send a message to inflate the respective curtain airbag. The appropriate airbag will inflate, dropping down from the ceiling between the headliner and windows/pillars, protecting the passengers. Once a curtain airbag has been deployed, the complete curtain airbag, headliner, upper A, B, and C-pillar trim panel, and all damaged parts must be replaced.
DRIVER AIRBAG
WARNING: THE DRIVER AIRBAG TRIM COVER AND HORN SWITCH ASSEMBLY ARE THE ONLY SERVICEABLE PARTS OF THE DRIVER AIRBAG. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE OTHER PARTS WITHIN AS THEY ARE NOT SERVICEABLE.
The Driver Airbag located in the center of the steering wheel is the most visible part of the system. I contains the airbag inflator, cushion, cover assembly, and their supporting components. The airbag utilizes a dual stage inflator and two initiator wire connections. the trim cover assembly, consisting of cover and horn switch in the only serviceable part of the airbag. The cushion, inflator, and inflator adaptor are covered with a wrap so the cushion does not unfold when servicing the trim cover and horn switch assembly
WARNING: NEVER DISASSEMBLE THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER AIRBAGS, THERE ARE NO SERVICEABLE PARTS WITHIN.
The driver side inflator assembly is mounted from the back of the airbag housing. When supplied with the proper electrical signal from the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC), the inflator assembly produces a gas and discharges it directly into the cushion. A protective cover is fitted to the front of the Driver Airbag and forms a decorative cover in the center of the steering wheel. The Driver Airbag is mounted directly to the steering wheel.