Where does the clock spring get its name?
This device is sometimes referred to as a spiral cable, airbag clock spring, steering wheel clock spring, clock spring assembly, cable reel, or contact reel, depending on the vehicle and where you live. The clock spring is not really a spring at all, but it gets its name from the look of the coiled ribbon inside the housing.
How does a clock spring work on a car?
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.
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.
This device is sometimes referred to as a spiral cable, airbag clock spring, steering wheel clock spring, clock spring assembly, cable reel, or contact reel, depending on the vehicle and where you live. The clock spring is not really a spring at all, but it gets its name from the look of the coiled ribbon inside the housing.
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.
What happens if you spin the clock spring?
If you were to spin the clock spring a rotation or two and then reinstall it, you may not have enough slack in the internal ribbon before the steering wheel hits full lock. In this case, you run the risk of stretching or breaking the internal wires and damaging a perfectly good 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.
If you were to spin the clock spring a rotation or two and then reinstall it, you may not have enough slack in the internal ribbon before the steering wheel hits full lock. In this case, you run the risk of stretching or breaking the internal wires and damaging a perfectly good clock spring.
Why is the clock spring on my car not working?
One of the primary causes of a non-functional car horn and/or a flashing ‘check airbag’ light (even though your airbag has never seen the light of day―a testimonial of your superb driving skills) is the fact that your car’s clock spring needs to be replaced.
What should I do if my clock spring is not working?
The most common indication of a clockspring problem is usually an airbag warning light, meaning that the wire carrying the signal to fire the airbag in a crash is compromised. This represents a significant safety exposure that can’t be put off. Davina Smith, I do 3 kinds of work, good, cheap, and quick. You can pick 2
Can a bad clock spring affect a car horn?
So a clockspring that is “going bad” may or may not affect the horn, depending on which wires are impacted. Likewise a working horn doesn’t imply that there aren’t other problems with the clockspring. Again the most immediately important issue is the airbag.