Table of Contents
1. Buttons On The Steering Wheel Do Not Work
When the clock spring breaks, the controls on the steering wheel of a car often stop working. This often includes some radio and cruise control features. For each of these operations the actual cables supplying ground and power are disconnected, which is the reason for this lack of behavior. The only way to get the function back is to replace the spiral spring.
2. Various Warning Lights
Another common sign of a broken or failed clock spring is one or more dashboard warning lights turning on suddenly. The “airbag” light, which indicates a problem with the airbag circuit itself, is the most frequently seen of these lights. The traction control or electronic throttle warning light on the car may also come on.
3. Missing Horn Function
Driver will notice that if the clock spring is destroyed, the car horn will stop working. This happened because the power supply to the horn was cut off. This needs to be recognized and addressed as it can present a serious security concern. The horn will not sound until the broken clock spring is replaced or fixed.
4. Steering Noise
When a watch’s mainspring is damaged, it can sometimes make a “snapping” or “snapping” noise. A car’s steering column makes this noise unintentionally due to misalignment of one or more parts connected to the clock spring. These parts come into contact with each other in a way that would not be possible without turning the steering wheel.
5. Blown Fuse
A broken clock spring can potentially cause one or more fuses associated with various steering wheel control functions to blow quickly. This is what happens when a wire is pulled from a live circuit and allowed to bounce off the ground plane. Thus, the fuses associated with each of these circuits blow, for the purpose of circuit protection.
A damaged clock spring can also lead to rapid failure of one or more fuses associated with various steering wheel control functions. This happens when a wire is moved out of a live circuit and allowed to bounce off a ground plane. As a result, the fuses corresponding to each of these circuits are blown for circuit protection reasons.
Conclusion
It is important to have the clock spring inspected as soon as possible and to have it repaired or replaced if any of these symptoms are present. A broken clock spring can cause major problems with a car’s electrical system, potentially endangering the safety of the driver and passengers.