What does 'clockspring' do, and/or control?
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Washington, DC
What does 'clockspring' do, and/or control?
Am planning replacement of ClockSpring, seeking to get my 'airbag light' to stop illuminating. Noted yesterday a 'skuff' or scrape sound, very feint, when turning the wheel to the extremes (parking). Upon review, I can SEE a ribbon with wires spaced about 1/8" +/- apart, sort of creeping out from behind the steering wheel. Can't be good.
When the clockspring fails, gets skuffed, what functions will most likely be affected? I think I will escalate the replacement plan, buy the tools, etc.
When the clockspring fails, gets skuffed, what functions will most likely be affected? I think I will escalate the replacement plan, buy the tools, etc.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Oak Harbor, OH
The clockspring is in charge of the electrical contact between the buttons on the wheel (horn and cruise), the airbag and the wiring harness in the steering column. What is the code that the light is flashing? If it's a 32 it's the clockspring, if it's not post the code and we'll help you get it solved.
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Junior User
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From: Washington, DC
Code 32
Yes, it is code 3 2. My major concern since 'seeing' the clock spring portion by viewing the steering column, is/was whether some major function would suddenly fail while I am driving. I have non-Ford cruise control, working OK now, no horn.
Sounds like other steering column items could be turn signal and wipers, in case the 'skuffing' should cut into the wire harness from the wheel turning?
Originally Posted by pfogle
The clockspring is in charge of the electrical contact between the buttons on the wheel (horn and cruise), the airbag and the wiring harness in the steering column. What is the code that the light is flashing? If it's a 32 it's the clockspring, if it's not post the code and we'll help you get it solved.
Posting Guru
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"ClockSpring" is exclusively for functions on the steering wheel itself-not the stalks on the steering column.
The "ClockSpring" winds & unwinds as you turn the steering wheel L &R, thus maintaining the connections.
Originally Posted by JohnMcHugh1
Sounds like other steering column items could be turn signal and wipers?
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I very seriously doubt "It's a sliding contact" & suggest you refresh your information on '92 & up airbag equipped Econoline.
The airbag & cruise control functions pass from stationary steering column to rotating steering wheel via hard connection 'clocksprings'. These are combined in a flat coiled springy ribbon of the various conductors that winds tighter or looser as the wheel is turned L&R. The whole idea is to eliminate the "sliding contact" replacing it solid connections.
Originally Posted by pfogle
It's a sliding contact
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