General Clock spring

[Firstinalltrouble]

Hi everyone.

Just to update on previous issue I had with bleeding of my brakes. Vacuum bleeding was done which resolved the issue. Another thing I didn't mention was that the brake booster and brake master was replaced.
After this I noticed that my hooter doesn't work anymore. The steering column was removed to change the booster and I am now told that the hooter never worked! I use the hooter almost everyday and it just makes sense that something was damaged when the steering column was removed. The repair company has now installed a button to be used as the hooter and since this was done the safety belt light remains on!
Any thoughts on how this could have happened?

 

[bugsymike]

Hi everyone.

Just to update on previous issue I had with bleeding of my brakes. Vacuum bleeding was done which resolved the issue. Another thing I didn't mention was that the brake booster and brake master was replaced.
After this I noticed that my hooter doesn't work anymore. The steering column was removed to change the booster and I am now told that the hooter never worked! I use the hooter almost everyday and it just makes sense that something was damaged when the steering column was removed. The repair company has now installed a button to be used as the hooter and since this was done the safety belt light remains on!
Any thoughts on how this could have happened?

It does sound like they damaged the airbag "squib" or clock spring that transmits the power to fire the airbag in the centre of the steering wheel.
This would throw up the warning light. Unless they didn't reconnect them and the horn on assembly.
Note if you try and remove the steering wheel to check, disconnect the battery for 20minutes before doing anything around the steering wheel as if you accidentally trigger the airbag it can kill you!!! The 20 minutes with battery off should be enough to disable it.
What is likely is that when they had the steering wheel, off there are two connectors one is for the horn and the other (usually a thick yellow)for the steering wheel airbag. I don't know for sure about your model , but usually the plastic horn cover/airbag is held on with either screws or clips from the back of the steering wheel.
If it wasn't reassembled correctly the "clock spring " can be damaged. With the steering wheel off , an undamaged clock spring is usually fitted in it's central position, so that if wheel turned to left or right it doesn't exceed it's maximum turns or it will fail. Also it is important to locate the self cancelling part of the indicator stalk in the correct position too.

 

[Firstinalltrouble]

Thank you.
The airbag situation is very concerning.
There is a thick yellow cable connected behind the steering wheel that converts into a ribbon by the looks of it and this part appears lifted up or broken.

 

[bugsymike]

Thank you.
The airbag situation is very concerning.
There is a thick yellow cable connected behind the steering wheel that converts into a ribbon by the looks of it and this part appears lifted up or broken.

Yes that sounds like it. Depending on where it is broken you may need to replace the "squib " or clock spring, but do remember about the safety note I mentioned!!!

 

[Firstinalltrouble]

Yes that sounds like it. Depending on where it is broken you may need to replace the "squib " or clock spring, but do remember about the safety note I mentioned!!!

 

[Firstinalltrouble]

Thanks. Got it.