Turn signal cancelling cam. Combination flasher

Turn signal cancelling cam

DESCRIPTION

The turn signal cancelling cam is concealed within the steering column below the steering wheel. The turn signal cancelling cam consists of two lobes that are integral to the lower surface of the clockspring  rotor. The clockspring mechanism provides turn signal cancellation as well as a constant electrical connection between the horn switch, driver side airbag module, speed control switches and remote radio switches on the steering wheel and the instrument panel wire harness on the steering column. The housing of the clockspring is secured to the steering column and remains stationary. The rotor of the clockspring, including the turn signal cancelling cam lobes rotate with the steering wheel.

The turn signal cancelling cam is integral to the clockspring and cannot be repaired. If faulty or damaged, the entire clockspring assembly must be replaced. Refer to Clockspring in the Removal and Installation section of Group 8M - Passive Restraint Systems for the clockspring service procedures.

OPERATION

The turn signal cancelling cam has two lobes molded into the lower surface of the clockspring rotor. When the turn signals are activated by moving the multi-function switch control stalk to a detent position, a turn signal cancel actuator is extended from the inside surface of the multi-function switch housing toward the clockspring rotor. When the steering wheel is rotated during the turn, one of the two turn signal cancelling cam lobes will contact the turn signal cancel actuator, releasing the multi-function switch control stalk from its detent and cancelling the turn signal event.

Combination flasher

DESCRIPTION

The combination flasher is a smart relay that functions as both the turn signal system and the hazard warning system flasher. The combination flasher contains active electronic Integrated Circuitry (IC) elements.

This flasher is designed to handle the current flow requirements of the factory-installed lighting. If supplemental lighting is added to the turn signal lamp circuits, such as when towing a trailer with lights, the combination flasher will automatically try to compensate to keep the flash rate the same.

While the combination flasher has a International Standards Organization (ISO)-type relay terminal configuration or footprint, the internal circuitry is much different. The combination flasher does not use standard ISO-relay inputs or provide ISO-relay type outputs or functions. The combination flasher should never be substituted for an ISO-relay or replaced with an ISO-relay, or else component and vehicle damage may occur.

Because of the active electronic elements within the combination flasher, it cannot be tested with conventional automotive electrical test equipment. If the combination flasher is believed to be faulty, test the turn signal system and hazard warning system circuits as described in this group. Then replace the combination flasher with a known good unit to confirm system operation.

The combination flasher has five blade-type terminals intended for the following inputs and outputs: fused B(+), fused ignition switch output, ground, turn signal circuit, and hazard warning circuit. Constant battery voltage and ground are supplied to the flasher so that it can perform the hazard warning function, and ignition switched battery voltage is supplied for the turn signal function. Refer to Turn Signals in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams for complete circuit diagrams.

The combination flasher is located in the relay and fuse block which is located on the back of the junction block near the dash panel under the left end of the instrument panel. The combination flasher cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

OPERATION

The IC within the combination flasher (Fig. 2) contains the logic that controls the flasher operation and the flash rate. Pin 6 of the IC receives a sense voltage from the hazard warning circuit of the multifunction switch. When the hazard warning switch is turned on, the 9hazard on sense" voltage will become low due to the circuit being grounded through the turn signal bulbs. This low voltage sense signals the IC to energize the flash control Positive-Negative- Positive (PNP) transistor at a pre-calibrated flash rate or frequency. Each time the PNP transistor energizes the hazard warning circuit, the pin 6 "hazard on sense" voltage will become high and the IC signals the PNP transistor to de-energize the circuit. This cycling will continue until the hazard warning switch is turned off.

Likewise, pin 8 of the IC receives a sense voltage from the turn signal circuits of the multi-function switch. When the left or right turn signal switch is turned on, the "turn signal on sense" voltage will become low due to the circuit being grounded through the turn signal bulbs. This low voltage sense signals the IC to energize the flash control PNP transistor at a pre-calibrated flash rate or frequency.

Each time the PNP transistor energizes the turn signal circuit, the pin 8 "turn signal on sense" voltage will become high and the IC signals the PNP transistor to de-energize the circuit. This cycling will continue until the right or left turn signal switch is turned off.

A special design feature of the combination flasher allows it to "sense" that a turn signal circuit or bulb is not operating, and provide the driver an indication of  the condition by flashing the remaining bulbs in the affected circuit at a higher rate (120 flashes-perminute or higher). Conventional flashers either continue flashing at their typical rate (heavy-duty type), or discontinue flashing the affected circuit entirely (standard-duty type). During turn signal operation, the combination flasher IC compares normal battery voltage input on pin 2 with the shunt resistor voltage input on pin 7. If the IC "senses" that the voltage difference between pin 2 and pin 7 is different than the pre-calibrated value of the IC, it will increase the rate at which it signals the PNP transistor to energize the pin 1 output. Thus, the inoperative half (left or right side) of the turn signal circuit will flash faster.

Fig. 2 Combination Flasher - Typical