I've read all the threads about having to replace the clockspring in my '94 F-150. No horn. Flashing airbag light. Looks like I'll have to do something about it. Or do I? What if I let things stand as they are? Let the light flash on the dash. I can do without the horn. The truck sits most of the time now. Called the local dealer and it is a $300 bill. What do you fellas think? That bag won't explode in my face on my way to church if I don't do anything, will it?

 

Well, the downside is that you probably won't have your horn, a functional airbag or cruise control if you have it. If that dosen't bother you, then don't worry about it. But rather than paying $300 to replace it, I would just go down and pull one out of a junk yard for maybe $10 and replace it myself.

This thread will most likely get moved into the 87-96 forum.

 

yea what Ace said go to a salvage yard and do it yourself its cheaper....and no the bag wont go off they are hooked up to a de-celleration meter that measures the speed a vehicle slows down rather than impact if im not mistaken, either way you'd have to get whacked for it to blow

 

That's fine, Ace. But here's the way I figure it. Add up the cost of the books that were recommended that I buy to learn how to disassemble stuff, the special tools, my time, plus factor in the risk of not knowing what I'm doing in the first place, plus the insurance of knowing that I can go back to the garage or dealer if something still doesn't work, and I figure $300 is pretty cheap. I'm handy, but not with electrical. By the way, this is just a plain vanilla construction truck. I'm lucky that I got air in it.
Tom

 

Did oyu replace the clock spring?.Ive got all the same problems also was told it can affect shifting in the tranny and add to dismal fuel economy

 

That's hearsays. whoever told you is smoking something.

 

Not replacing the clockspring doesn't affect your transmission or fuel economy one bit. All it does is leave everything on the steering wheel non-functional and of course, lights blinking in the cluster. If its a farm truck, or off road truck, I'd leave it. If it is to be driven on the street, I find blinking lights in the cluster distracting and irritating, so I'd fix it.

And its easy to fix also... you can get the piece from a junkyard, for about 10-20 bucks and from Ford for about 80, and put it in yourself.

There are no special tools required except for a steering wheel puller, which is really just a pulley puller. If you don't have either, AutoZombie and Poopboys will loan you the tool. What they do is charge you for the tool, and when you return it, give you a refund. My family-owned auto parts store also loans tools like this. Half the time they don't even ask for a deposit. But then again, I am there pretty much every week it seems. Know them well.

Now, airbags are friggen dangerous, and be very careful poking around in the column while the steering wheel is attached. While unlikely, it is possible to fire one in your face. I had that happen to me in a junkyard last summer, and it was a lot more than unpleasant. I also wear glasses so I had red rings around both eyes where my glasses were rudely smashed into my face.

 

Thanks folks for the advice,wil replace the clockspring.had an airbag go off on a rental truck years ago no reason to on the highway Not Fun
thanks again

 

Good luck with the clockspring. It's really and easy job. You need a steering wheel puller and star screw driver ( size 15 or 20 maybe). And you need to pop out the ignition switch. The part new is about $100 from Ford .....Van

 

is this just a 1994 problem? mine does that as well.has someone got a link to a thread or site as to changing the clock spring, removing ignition switch?etc, the ford dealer said that thatis a code that airbag light is flashing 3 flashes pause 2 flashes bad connection, said if you try to change it yourself, don't forget to disconnect battery, I guess so you don't fry something

 

Thanxs Van/tx
feel confident enough to tackle this myself.cancelred the apointment at my shop, will take care of it myself, by the way went through al this clockspring stuff a couple of weeks ago used one from the breaker, paid the mechanic lasted 1 week,this time I'm bying new Ford charging me 76.00 cdn for the part and a diagram,not being cheap with the labour just another way to keep yhe behind off of the couch