What is a clock spring in an airbag?
In vehicle steering systems a clock spring or clockspring is a spiral-wound special rotary electrical connector which allows a vehicle’s steering wheel to turn while still making an electrical connection between the steering wheel airbag and/or the vehicle’s horn and other devices and the vehicle’s electrical systems.
Why does my airbag light come on when I turn the wheel?
The airbag clock spring sits inside your steering wheel and basically keeps the electrical wiring between the car and the driver-side airbag from being damaged as the wheel is turned. Over time, the airbag clock spring can become worn and damaged as a result of consistent turning of the wheel, which can trigger your airbag light.
Where is The clockspring on the steering wheel?
A clockspring is part of the airbag restraint system. It’s in the steering column behind the steering wheel and maintains an electrical connection to the airbag and the accessories located in the steering wheel. It contains a spring that carries current and expands and contracts as the steering wheel is rotated.
Can a broken clockspring cause an airbag light to go off?
As long as the clockspring provides a connection to the steering wheel components, the airbag light remains unlit and all is well. The clockspring will wear in time or become damaged during repairs to the steering column, or when removing a rack and pinion gear, gearbox, or coupling.
Why does the SRS light come on when you turn on the airbag?
When this happens, it’s common for it to short out or corrode, causing the SRS light to come on. The airbag clock spring sits inside your steering wheel and basically keeps the electrical wiring between the car and the driver-side airbag from being damaged as the wheel is turned.
How does an airbag clock spring work in a car?
An airbag clock spring is used to connect the steering wheel to other electrical devices such as the airbag safety system, radio volume and station selections, horn and cruise controls. This is done using a series of small wires wound between an upper and lower plate which is mounted between the steering column and the steering wheel.
The airbag clock spring sits inside your steering wheel and basically keeps the electrical wiring between the car and the driver-side airbag from being damaged as the wheel is turned. Over time, the airbag clock spring can become worn and damaged as a result of consistent turning of the wheel, which can trigger your airbag light.
Where are the clock springs on the steering wheel?
The airbag clock springs are found on your steering wheel. Its work is to ensure continuity of the electrical wiring with the driver’s airbag. It does this by coiling itself in and out as the steering wheel turns.
When this happens, it’s common for it to short out or corrode, causing the SRS light to come on. The airbag clock spring sits inside your steering wheel and basically keeps the electrical wiring between the car and the driver-side airbag from being damaged as the wheel is turned.