How does a clock spring work on a car?
Clock spring (clockspring) is a device that contains a wound-up wire (ribbon cable) inside and allows the airbag, horn, and steering wheel buttons to stay connected as the steering wheel is rotated as you turn the steering wheel left and right.
Can a bad clock spring cause the cruise control to not work?
Horn doesn’t work – In some cases, a bad clock spring can cause the horn to stop working. The cruise control switch does not work – On models where the cruise control is mounted on the steering wheel. If that’s the case, the cruise control wires are routed via the clockspring.
Can a damaged clock spring cause an airbag not to deploy?
The driver’s airbag may not deploy if the SRS or airbag light is on due to a damaged clock spring, resulting from normal usage over time. The driver’s airbag circuit will trigger a high resistance fault code, potentially causing the driver’s airbag not to deploy if involved in an accident.
How do you find the center of the clock spring?
Find the center position of the clock spring. You can do this by turning the clock spring all the way to the left and stop as soon as you feel slight resistance. Then turn it all the way to the right and count the total turns. Let’s say you get 6 full turns.
Clock spring (clockspring) is a device that contains a wound-up wire (ribbon cable) inside and allows the airbag, horn, and steering wheel buttons to stay connected as the steering wheel is rotated as you turn the steering wheel left and right.
When do I need to replace my air bag clockspring?
The air bag warning light may also come on. If the electrical short is bad enough, you may notice sparking or blown fuses. Since the air bag clockspring is responsible for both your air bag and your horn’s operation, this part should be replaced at the first sign of a problem.
Horn doesn’t work – In some cases, a bad clock spring can cause the horn to stop working. The cruise control switch does not work – On models where the cruise control is mounted on the steering wheel. If that’s the case, the cruise control wires are routed via the clockspring.
Find the center position of the clock spring. You can do this by turning the clock spring all the way to the left and stop as soon as you feel slight resistance. Then turn it all the way to the right and count the total turns. Let’s say you get 6 full turns.
As you turn the steering wheel, the coil of wires within the clock spring winds and unwinds, maintaining an electrical connection for the airbag and steering wheel controls.
Why do clock springs need to be replaced?
Clock springs have a big hand in this too, as they act as the bridge between the electrical wiring of the car and the car’s steering wheel, wherein the airbag is located. In addition to ensuring our safety when we are inside our automobiles, these springs are quite heavy-duty and rarely need to be replaced.
Can a broken clock spring affect the steering wheel?
Typically a broken clock spring only affects components that are attached to the steering wheel. This is because the clock spring is a special wire that allows the connection to be maintained as the steering wheel rotates. If the turn signals are mounted on the steering column, they are probably not affected by a bad clock spring.
What are the symptoms of a bad clock spring?
Diagnosing a bad clock spring can often be pretty straightforward, depending on the symptoms. You may notice several seemingly unrelated issues, such as steering wheel buttons that don’t work accompanied with an airbag warning light.
How do I replace the clock spring on my car?
Remove the old clock spring and replace with the new one, connecting all the necessary wires. Replace the steering wheel exactly as it was taken off, do not turn the wheel. Reattach the airbag and the needed wiring neatly. Put the cover back on the wheel and tighten all necessary bolts and nuts.
Why is my steering wheel dependent on a clock spring?
Because the airbag in your steering wheel is dependent on a functional clock spring, it’s crucial that the clock spring is in good working condition. Keep reading to understand how a clock spring works, what symptoms of a broken clock spring are, and the average replacement cost is. What is a Clock Spring? What Does a Clock Spring Do?
Can you drive a car with a broken clock spring?
If you try to drive a car with a faulty or broken clock spring, you will experience a lot of difficulty when you try to rotate the steering wheel, and what’s more, if you prolong this, it will cause damage to other parts of your car too, not to mention putting yourself, as the driver, at risk.
What to do if you have a faulty clock spring?
If you have a faulty clock spring and are in need of repair or replacement, there are simple ways to remove it while taking the proper safety precautions. Disconnect the negative battery cable while the car is off, then disconnect the positive. Allow your car to diminish its charge to the airbag system for at least 20 or 30 minutes.