93 Aerostar Clock Spring
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
93 Aerostar Clock Spring
This may be a topic that has been re-hashed here before but I thought it worth mentioning. If your horn and cruise control quit working and the airbag caution light flashes, it is most definitely the clock spring assembly is defective. I tore into my 93 Aerostar steering column this past weekend. I jumpered around the clock spring and got the horn to work. Next, checked continuity from the two steering wheel connectors (one for the airbag and one for the horn and CC) to the connectors at the lower end of the steering column. Zilch!
Next was to inspect the clock spring assy ribbon cable. Here in lies the problem gentleman. After many years and miles of the steering wheel turning left and right, the ribbon cable some how got caught and bent over 180° and crimped. It must have did this over and over because the cruise control problem started out to be intermittent. As the ribbon cable continued to be crimped, the circuit failed.
If you don't want to pay a Ford dealer $110 for a new clock spring assy, it can be repaired. I remember seeing a post on this board where someone was saying they can't be repaired. It can be repaired with the right tools and wiring knowledge. It is just a matter of disassembling the two clock spring connectors, cutting out the crimped portion of ribbon cable and putting it all back together.
Hot dam, I've got my cruise control back!!
Next was to inspect the clock spring assy ribbon cable. Here in lies the problem gentleman. After many years and miles of the steering wheel turning left and right, the ribbon cable some how got caught and bent over 180° and crimped. It must have did this over and over because the cruise control problem started out to be intermittent. As the ribbon cable continued to be crimped, the circuit failed.
If you don't want to pay a Ford dealer $110 for a new clock spring assy, it can be repaired. I remember seeing a post on this board where someone was saying they can't be repaired. It can be repaired with the right tools and wiring knowledge. It is just a matter of disassembling the two clock spring connectors, cutting out the crimped portion of ribbon cable and putting it all back together.
Hot dam, I've got my cruise control back!!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 435
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi, Tx. 78418
ast1960,
Clock spring failures can be the root cause of numerous problems from horn, cruise control and/or the air bag system. It is nice to know that it is possible to repair the ribbon cable if indeed it has been broken and your post is greatly appreciated.
When posting informational threads, don't be surprised if you don't seem to receive a lot of replies. Check out the views. We may not always reply to threads that don't need help, but we certainly view them to gain more knowledge from our fellow forum members.
Happy holiday's to you and yours.
Ron
Clock spring failures can be the root cause of numerous problems from horn, cruise control and/or the air bag system. It is nice to know that it is possible to repair the ribbon cable if indeed it has been broken and your post is greatly appreciated.
When posting informational threads, don't be surprised if you don't seem to receive a lot of replies. Check out the views. We may not always reply to threads that don't need help, but we certainly view them to gain more knowledge from our fellow forum members.
Happy holiday's to you and yours.
Ron
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Sunline Fan
Excursion - King of SUVs
81
Aug 23, 2022 06:13 AM
taylormade99
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
15
Oct 27, 2006 10:22 AM
