Clockspring
A spiral-wound electrical connector located inside the steering column that maintains electrical contact to the steering wheel controls and airbag while turning.
A steering column clockspring is a specialized electrical connector that allows the steering wheel to turn continuously while maintaining a constant electrical connection to the steering wheel components. It consists of a flat, ribbon-like electrical cable wound in a spiral inside a plastic housing, similar to a clock spring.
The clockspring is located directly behind the steering wheel on the steering column. It feeds electrical power and signals to the driver's airbag, horn, cruise control buttons, radio controls, and heated steering wheel elements mounted on the wheel. As you turn the wheel left or right, the spiral ribbon cable winds and unwinds inside the housing without breaking the connection.
Over years of steering, the delicate ribbon cable inside the clockspring can wear down, fatigue, and break. If the ribbon cable snaps, all electrical connections to the steering wheel are severed. The most common symptom of a broken clockspring is an illuminated SRS (airbag) warning light on the dashboard, alongside a non-functioning horn, cruise control, or steering wheel radio buttons. A clicking or rubbing sound from behind the steering wheel during turns is also common.
A vehicle with a broken clockspring is unsafe because the driver's side airbag will not deploy in an accident. Replacing the clockspring involves removing the steering wheel, which requires disabling and removing the airbag assembly safely.