Ford Quick Tips: #34 How Clocksprings Work and Fail

You can get a new clock spring cheaper Here-
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C...
In this video I go over how a Clockspring, located behind the steering wheel bolted to the steering column Works!
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[@brakedd]

Awesome, thanks for this one. I didn't have a clue on how clocksprings work until today...I just knew not to move the wheel when the steering linkage/box/rack was disconnected because you'd screw it up.

[@billylowe1415]

Thanks brother. Thanks to this problem I now have a new steering wheel and new fuses, same problem. So I'm going to go pick up this part today. I wish I came across your video two weeks ago. Thanks.

[@darrylm3627]

Good Stuff,Great Tips😃👍🏿2016 F250 just got a recall notice for Clock Spring.

[@marcelcatinas3357]

Awesome video, very easy to understand I’m very specific to the problem, you do a very good job bro !

[@luciflash]

Thanks for the video. A much better explanation of how the retention clip works, rather than saying "shove a screwdriver in there" and then cut to a shot of it off.

[@TyFenwick]

Great video mate !!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@gregscheyd4131]

THANKS , BUDDY ... EXCELLENT VIDEO !!!

[@mike479]

Great video. Verified the clock spring is failed in my 98 Contour SVT. Reads code 32 Clock spring, and my turn signals don’t always cancel, horn doesn’t work and the cruise control has stopped working. All of these issues have been intermittent for the past few months, but last week cruise and horn stopped working the the airbag light is constant flashing flashing the 32 code. Very cool to see how the clock spring actually works, and now it’s time to find a good used one.

[@randyjackson8138]

Exactly the same noise I’m getting , guess I will take mine apart. Thanks for the info and sharing with us.

[@9031LN1H]

Looked at your Ford cruise control vids a few times now. This one, the brake switch under the master cyl and the brake pedal switch. I've replaced both switches on the MC and at the brake pedal... my clock spring seems 99%fine... still no cc! Paddle switch left of horn pad perhaps? Anything else i need to be looking for? Chip in or on the trans, speedo gear, fuse links, relays etc etc. 1999 E150 conversion, high topper 93,800mi. Thank you for being here! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@patrickmahan351]

Helpful. Thanks. Mine just failed on my 15 Expedition with 55k miles. Seems like an unusual failure. I’ve never heard of anyone with that issue. The symptom was steering wheel controls on both sides stopped working. No warning lights, horn still worked.

[@PackratCND]

I have a 2013 Escape and I go thru about two clock springs per year. And at around 400 to replace these suckers, it gets to point where I just give up and don't bother wanting to get it fixed - what a pain this system is ! . Need to remove the button controls off of the steering wheel, or maybe have the buttons controlled by a wireless signal. Another thought is to have a gold wiper contact on the clock spring system (for non-critical controls). Just think what the other computer systems in this vehicle are going to cost when they "go south". Thanks Brian for the look-see !!

[@Karkeylinks]

Great video

[@fastrace011]

Great video.

[@JSMJPaxton]

I don't normally post on videos but all of yours have been very helpful and informative and have saved me large amounts of money. Thank you for these.

[@user-rt4re8to3w]

Awesome video! Recently my Mercedes got same problem twice, weirdly. And i thought the way that i install was wrong. But after seeing this video, I noticed that the durability of the parts that i used was done...! ( I installed used one so.. / Sadly at that time, I couldn't order new parts in South Korea .. )

[@jameslaiola4976]

Absolutely great video. Thank you so much for the information. I have an 2001 F150. Unfortunately the airbags are blown and there's no cruise control. May I just ask if the clock spring is needed? Or can it be removed completely

[@redmunchkin]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@whitetiger8652]

Great information.

[@nicknicu1787]

Great video as always Brian! I don't know if you're interested in doing this since you're only dealing with Ford,but there's a few makes and models out there that do not have clock springs available anymore and can cost up to 600$ to buy from the dealer. Of course those are sold together with the switches as an assembly. So you're only left with junkyard parts. Some of the people that work there don't know how to take them off and mess up the alignment. There's a procedure to realign them,they shouldn't go more than 2 and a half to 3 and a half turns from the middle to each side. So,if you're interested you can show how to realign them and also how to test them when they come from the junkyard-there should be continuity between the 2 pins of the connector for a good one.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Nick Nicu Yeah that is an idea, now I just need to find one that is not broken.

[@CAZTV]

2004 bmw 330 xi suddenly horn stopped working radio on off when visor lights pulled down air bag off. BMW said it Clock spring and ignition switch is that the likely problem One or both?. also a new airbag got installed about 1 year ago on the steering wheel .

[@SatchFD]

Great video. Maybe you can answer a question for me. I have a 2008 F250 Lariat with steering wheel controls. I noticed the other day that the controls are not lit up, although I'm not sure if they are supposed to. All the controls do work. My question is, if they are supposed to light up, and if so, what could it be? Thanks in advance.

[@MrJerryk55]

Thanks for the vid.

[@redfieldsapprentice4489]

If I grab a used clockspring for my 2016 F150 what is the procedure to clock it properly for install? It doesn’t have a locking tab on it and I don’t know if the wheels were straight on the donor truck when removed. Great video! Thx.

[@spelunkerd]

Interesting design, it's not what I imagined. I guess using a length of ribbon with continuous connections is better than rubbing copper spring contacts wear out over time. No spring, the curious name is historical only.

[@e.b.6766]

I’ve got intermittent cruise control switches. Just recently I’ve noticed my audio track selection switch on the opposite switch has stopped working. Then, just like usual they both started working after 3-4 ignition switch cycles and/ or when my battery was disconnected after getting the Expedition tune updated for the new Full Race Freak-O-Beast intercooler kit install I got for Xmas. It’s never been a complete switch(es) failure. Only certain buttons. I’ve successfully changed the cruise switches twice. They work immediately after changing for quite sometime. Then starts intermittently working again. Kinda makes me think switch, and not the clock spring in my situation.

[@robsrxx]

I got a piece of ribbon sticking out behind the steering wheel. Thanks for this

[@janvolckaert7704]

Great video Brian !!! I have a ford s-max from 2009 , the controls steering wheel works , but when i use cruise control and i use the horn or cc speed up or down , cruise control stops working . When i push the horn again for few times , then i can activate cruise control again on the steering weel . Is this a clock spring fail ? Thanks and greetings from Belgium

[@kennethdigiacomo2427]

So I have a 95 F250 7.3L Diesel Manual Transmission. My cruise control quit working and research has taken me two places. A clock spring or the cruise control at the end of the brake cylinder. The only steering wheel controls are for the cruise and of course the horn. I have also read that since I have no airbag I may not have a clock spring. I have the part number for the cruise release on the master cylinder but its installed in the 7 o'clock position. Will the brake fluid continue to flow once removed or is there a valve that will keep it from spewing out? I am leading towards this as being the culprit. AlsoI have to remove my instrument cluster for repair do you happen to have a video for that?

[@alialsaifi3996]

Thanks for this video But if the horan keep working nonstop ? Do you think because of same part

[@krisadakopalasuta594]

Just wondering what causes the small clicking noise at 0.12? or 0.54 is it from the loose yellow harness? my car has the exact same noise. by the way very good video.

[@packratswhatif.3990]

I find it amazingly crappy how this design was for the ribbon cable assembly. I have a 2013 escape and have had many problems with the button assembly that controls the front on screen display on the dash. Got tried of having to pay out 100's of dollars to get repaired by ford. So I took matters into my own hands and disassembled the steering wheel air bag unit with the controls section ( hoping that it was just the buttons acting up and NOT the ribbon cable). All I had to do was give the button assembly a cleaning with some electronic cleaner and now it works just fine. When I opened up the button assembly, it didn't even look dirty at all. Cleaned it anyways and that made the difference. Mind you, it was a pain in the ass trying to figure out how the air bag came off but did figured it out. It cost me my own time only ..... this time.

[@IETZR1S]

I have a 2014 ford fusion SE 1.5L. i think my clock spring needs to be replaced. The air bag light was on fir a few days about 6 months ago and went off by itself. Did not think anything of it. The horn does not work, the volume button does not work and the down arrow on the right side does not work. The steering wheel is quiet when turning. The horn does work when i hit the lock button twice on my key fob. Did not know if it is the clock spring or the sccm. Any advice?

[@tonybahama6817]

If the turn signals fail too (F-150) along with steering wheel controls is that still a clockspring, or does that point to SCCM?

[@agalpalacio9157]

I have a 1999 ford escort sedan model and the horn works alright but it won’t shut up so I had to take the horn fuse out to silence it, so I’m wondering what my problem could be?

[@peterstone4547]

Question, can you install the existing airbag but just not connect the wire to it. I have found a surplus clock spring for now whilst I wait for a new one. But don't want to connect the airbag but need the horn working. Thanks

[@andrelemalle]

My 1994 E150 Club Wagon is flashing a 34 airbag code. Horn and Cruise control still work. The error is described as "Driver side air bag circuit low resistance or shorted" Local mechanic says replace clock spring. Problem is I can't locate one anywhere. What are my options? Can the existing clock spring be repaired? Will the clock spring from a different year or model be made to work? Any advice you can offer would be really appreciated!

[@slcautomotive7086]

Hi, I changed my clockspring with angle sensor both, and Traction control light shows up when im rotating steering wheel to full position right, or full left. what can cause problem ? transit 2013. thank you

[@troyjohnson1215]

I have a 96 e350 with 7.3 without keyless entry or cruise but can’t find that clockspring. I can find one for w/o keyless/with cruise. Will that one work?

[@2012isRonPaul]

what if the horn works, but blows the fuse? (there was no airbag light after i took the airbag off tho....)

[@jerrycremeans2865]

Need a bit of help I changed my steering shaft on a 2005 f150 and had rope holding it from flopping around but took rope off to align the steering shaft to seat correctly now I’m hearing a small clicking type noise only when turning

[@jimboles6971]

I have a 2011 f350 6.7 air bag light on not blinking shut off passengers side still on any help would be great

[@angkeltat]

Thank you for sharing

[@kenedylima2268]

If only the horn doesn’t work could this be the problem? No air bag light on, the horn works when I lock the truck with the controller.

[@joshbrowning3488]

What if your steering is quite, yet the horn doesn't work and curse isn't working? Fuses are all good by the way. And I hope you see this and can help me, I'm having a difficult time trying to remedy my ac issue. 05 f150 4.6. Brand new compressor. Brand new high and low pressure switches. Refrigerant has been vacuumed and refilled professionally to exact lbs needed. Ac clutch will NOT engage. But when I jump the relay under the hood it kicks on and stays running for as long as the pins are jumped. The relay under the hood and even the entire heat/ac control panels switch are brand new as well. PLEASE help me figure out this nightmare! Lol

[@jasonjoncas5998]

Mine i replaced 2 years ago now now squeek is starting. I know any type of wrong lube will make the noise louder. Any suggestions.

[@fastrace011]

I would assume that the steering wheel would have to be indexed with the clock spring to prevent over twisting of the clock spring, that is unless the clock spring is capable of double the max number of steering wheel turns in a worst case scenario install. Thanks for the great videos. If you get in any panthers do an air ride video and or a plastic composite intake manifold replacement video. I'm really curious as to how the ecoboost head gaskets are holding up as well. Oh also I'd like to see an adjustable gas/brake pedal video assembly repair if you get any of them in. Great video as usual. I'd of loved to of seen a video of your Focus engine rebuild. My mom has a 3.0 Vulcan Taurus and I really enjoyed your 3.0 Vulcan Taurus head/head gasket video. I hope that your employer is paying you top wages Brian as you save 3-fold your wages in return issues, as your work is so clean and meticulous that I doubt any repair that you have ever done has ever came back in. I doubt that you have ever stripped an oil plug or lug nut by cross threading one. Of course I'm sure lots of oil drain plugs come in stripped and of course, the blame would be on the current oil change. Thanks again. I wish I could do the things you do Brian.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

fastrace011 You put the clockspring on centered, then those two yellow nubs on it lock into the steering wheel at that point. Ecoboost head gaskets are not a problem actually. I learned very early on in my career how to do this job right and have stuck by that. I think even more than pride I don't want to have to deal with management or the customer on comebacks or misdiagnosis issues.

[@warrfrog11]

Thank you very much.

[@HandJ2hearts4ever]

1994 f150 has all the issues but the clicking so could it be something else?

[@basics7930]

In my crown Victoria, the brake warning light is on and the cruise control doesn’t work….. will it be a clock spring issue.. check everything else…. Pls share if you have any knowledge….

[@scottrankin9479]

i have a 2003 crown vic i wrecked and the air bag deployed and now it wont start any suggestions?

[@gmorgan4300]

This is a really useful video. I have a UK Ford Kuga new from 2016. When the indicator is applied and I turn left or right, there is a distinct clicking noise, once, often twice when going around a corner. If I turn a corner without indicating, there's no clicking noise. Do you think there might be a problem with the clockspring even though the car is only 10 months old?

[@Saltines4All]

This noise is normal, it's primarily to know how close you are to full steering lock while going around a corner.

[@lunkerdunkerbaits4064]

Thank you!

[@TheGoatMumbler]

Very informative.

[@rrgH20polo]

I was told by auto repair shop the code reader said it was a Ford Steering Wheel Position Sensor. Is this the same thing as the Clock-Spring ? I can't find the Position, so maybe the Clock spring did both. ??? Thanks

[@JD-ml7cg]

Is there a bearing that goes on it? My wheel is wobbly

[@73powerstroke56]

I know this video is pretty old but my airbag light is on and flashing. It is giving me code 32. I've searched it and it is saying it's the clock spring. My horn still works and I'm pretty sure my cruise control still works. The light came on after I took my front driver and passenger side seat belts off to clean them. I had to take them off due to some mold on the belts. I pulled the interior panels no problem. Unplugged the sensors on the belts. Then I pulled the belt out as far as I could then pressure washed the belts. I put a bag around the belt reel and sensor so they definitely didn't get wet. Didnt retract the belts till they were completely dry then reinstalled them. Plugged the sensors back in as well. Wires were all good too. Not to sure how long after but then my air bag light came on and is constantly flashing. So what could be the prob? Dont want to buy a clock spring and still ha e the issue. Plus can't buy one at this time. By the way it's a 2002 f250 7.3L. Auto 4x4

[@JamesThomas-gu6xf]

If the horn on a 2014 F150 doesn't work from the steering wheel, but still works with the key fob / panic button, it sounds like this is the most likely issue. Is there any other thing I should check before replacing the clockspring? What a goofy design to not have a separate relay switch. Everything else works fine...

[@user-pc4pz3ik3q]

When you turn left or right, the rear camera turns off. My question is, is the problem with the steering wheel sensor?

[@JacobWinkle]

QUESTION/ HELP What if your horn works intermittently? As in, you turn the steering wheel to one position and hit the horn and it works. Then you turn it to another position and it doesn't work? I feel its the clockspring but wondering if anyone else might have some input on this. Thank You in advance.

[@ingridzaharris7176]

Did anyone have luck with the clockspring replacement fixing nonfunctional steering wheel controls and multi- function switch (wiper/ flasher), etc? Everything on my steering column is dead except the horn.

[@kyscott]

2012 f150 xlt . I have no horn currently but every now n then it works , sometimes my radio just makes popping sounds and will not play, and I believe my passenger side airbag is stuck in the 'on' position because the light never turns on to indicate it is 'off' . Does this sound like a clockspring issue ? I have checked fuses already .

[@kyscott]

BTW thank you for you videos you have saved me money countless times. If my dealership had techs like you I wouldn't have to tell them what's wrong!

[@el-hp1lj]

my horn doesnt work in my ford 150 2014 130k miles. fuses are good, panic on horn works.

[@rural_old_dude]

Does anyone know if a 99 Taurus has a replaceable clock spring? I phoned around and no one seems to have one. My cruise control and horn stopped working.. I went through the fuses but could not find the specific one in the manual. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes there is one but you need to know the build date and plant it was built at as there are different types.

[@JRobert111111]

My brother's 99 Windstar doesn't have the ribbon cable enclosed in a cartridge such as you just showed. The air bag light is on and the cruise control doesn't work, probably no horn either. When I loosened the bolt in the bottom of the steering wheel hub and removed the wheel, this ribbon cable is just all loose in there and I see no way of disconnecting the airbag nor the steering wheel from this cable to put in a new part. Even my 94 Astro has a "cartridge" design as you showed here in this video that I had to remove when replacing the little signal cancelling springs years ago and it was all easy to do. Any thoughts on this Ford?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

JRobert111111 The windstar has the sliding contact design and also a yellow harness attached to it. I can send you instructions on how to replace it if you have an email address.

[@jtoddk98]

Could you do a vid on on how to change spark plugs on a transverse Ecoboost v6 in a SHO or Flex?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

jtoddk98 It is pretty darn close to my video of this on the F150 few other things in the way lines etc but at least no intake.

[@johnnyouk3513]

Will a bad clock spring cause the wiper/turn signal and steering will buttons not to work to? I had a similar problem on a 2015 f150 with a U0212 sccm.

[@ingridzaharris7176]

Same thing here. What did you end up doing?

[@LaFamilia870]

On my 2015 Tahoe the changing music button volume button setting button stopped working horn works cruise but turns the light on but won't engage do you think this could be it going out ?

[@michaelr.williams8176]

I have the same problem on my colbt chev my turn segnels on the passenger side won’t work and my horn and Cruze control won’t work changeing out clock spring tomarrow

[@justsayin3600]

I'm not very mechanically inclined but I replaced my clock spring in my 2012 F150. It was easy!

[@farerse]

Hi should you lube the clockspring? The rotating plastic part is kinda tight fit against the stationary part.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

No

[@farerse]

I noticed the old clock spring was already covered in something sticky! Previous owner prolly used something..

[@Kyfordman1989]

The problem I’m having I just bought a 97 Lincoln town car saying that you series and the clock spring is bad and there is not a new one in the country. I’ve called dealers I’ve called obsolete part dealers and they tell me the same thing there is not a new one available, they made over 900,000 from 1990 to 97 and nobody has a clock spring for one that’s ridiculous

[@20mcarroll02]

What about one for a 93 f250? My horn and cruise control quit working and cant find a replacement one in any part stores nor online.

[@EverydayProjects]

Check Ebay or a local auto parts recycling business (junkyard).

[@20mcarroll02]

@@EverydayProjects actually found out my old truck doesnt have a clock spring. It uses slip rings and spring loaded carbon brushes. Obsolete parts according to the local ford dealer.

[@Clambert91]

Would the horn continue to honk steadily if the clock spring was bad?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

No

[@jimthorpe9291]

How do you get the clock spring back to center after the steering shaft and knuckle has been removed from the steering gear? On a 2004 Ford f150 xlt heritage 4x4 4.6L

[@urenaanthony91]

Did you figure it out?

[@jimthorpe9291]

@@urenaanthony91 Yes Sir..... Thanks for looking out...

[@urenaanthony91]

@@jimthorpe9291 what did you do?

[@jimthorpe9291]

@@urenaanthony91 Hahahaha what you mean what did I do.... lol... I counted the number of turns till I felt the ribbon tighten then turned it back half of many turns... My Cruz control everything works like a clock.......bought a 2004 f150 heritage been doing work on it good bone dry 4x4... getting to know it and enjoying every min. Of it....! Rather have it then a brand new one any day....

[@jimthorpe9291]

@@urenaanthony91 I bought the truck from a top notch mechanic that owns a car lot just down the road so he is the one who gave me a hand with it ... A real solid guy.... I got alot of respect for him he's a good mechanic....!

[@BastiaaNED590]

Hey I've got a question! My 2013 Ford Fiesta has an airbag warning light, the seller (garage) said it's the clockspring. However, the horn and all steering wheel controls do work. Doesn't that disprove the theory of it being the clockspring? Or can it be that the clockspring is only partially defect, and that only the airbag is affected? Thank you very much for any help!

[@omargdottin]

It's your clockspring if you have an air bag light with the dtc code B0001; just replace mine in my 2017 ford explorer and airbag light it's off now

[@MrSnoopyMan]

I have a 2004 Ford Expedition. Can a bad clock spring cause steering wheel binding? I still have button & horn function.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

no

[@MrSnoopyMan]

@@FordTechMakuloco OK, thanks. I will check the lower steering shaft. But I only asked due to the clicking sounds I hear when it binds and then loosens. It sounds like it is right below the air bag on the steering wheel.

[@dylandodson9100]

my clock spring makes no noise when I rotate the steering wheel in my caravan, how do I know for sure my clockspring is bad. I have no horn, air bag light is on, and no cruise control button communication.

[@skydude38]

Definitely sounds like a clock spring issue to me.

[@ranger1244]

I have a 2005 E350 with the 2 valve 5.4L engine. I'm getting air bag code 19. What does this code mean?

[@hooklinetinker9680]

Does your horn work? If not it's your clockspring.

[@carslover3509]

thanks

[@dtor17x]

im trying to figure out an issue with my steering. It makes a thump when I turn left or right which I can also feel. I also noticed that the shake in the car felt different when i turned towards the left after it thumps. Do you know what this can be?

[@dtor17x]

+Daniel Torres it's almost like a snap when i turn left or right

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+Daniel Torres what vehicle and year?

[@dtor17x]

2002 Ford Escort

[@dianereinhart9712]

is there a way to test the clockspring to make sure it is good? I have a 2000 Ford F350 Superduty Powerstroke 7.3l diesel 2wd thank you Makuloco. Ive had a problem with the Bendix drive staying excited/engaged into the flywheel for quite sometime and cannot find the real culprit behind this. Called Ford Motor Co. dealer and asked if it could be the clockspring causing this. Service Man's answer: Yes, it could be. I have had some issues also, with the radio light/clock going out only and nothing else. Dash Cluster ok, no problems there. New tumbler, new ignition switch, swapped out higher torque starter for standard autozone starter twice. Relay on fender panel new. Problem is still there. This is driving me nuts!! I have to starting the truck up then, shutting it down 7/8 times because I don't want to burn up my flywheel. thanks for any input or help. regards anyone else with same issues on these so called "built ford tuff loser trucks?"

[@fredrohrs8148]

Tire pressure gauge for a 2010 raptor

[@MrEpranger]

thanks so much for your info.

[@marlonhouston6685]

Help. Everything’s working, but steering wheel lights don’t. Could that be a part of the problem?

[@luisfernandozafrapico5536]

My same problem

[@brianblithe2271]

No date on videos anymore ??? this vid is 7 years old and link to amazon for clockspring not working

[@MrRagusawitz]

Damm, your smart

[@ryandriskell8973]

Ok I have a 1988 f250 7.3 idi, no cruise control or horn

[@ryandriskell8973]

worked Saturday but not Sunday or today

[@link1legend]

Did the job in 30m ty

[@Mebob2001]

theres just to much horseshit on trucks and cars now a days... but keeps us in the dealerships busy, in a few years small shops are going to be screwed for a lot of diagnoses

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Totally agree almost everything requires dealer scan tool now to diagnose and install properly crazy

[@CashNYC]

I hear that noise when ever I turn the steering wheel and everything working

[@mikeschepper6485]

My horn and stuff went out..then it got hard to steer

[@andywren8801]

My horn works,but cruise control doesn’t and airbag is on The airbag light flashed 32 code

[@thegrudgel]

Andy Wren that’s the same thing mine is doing you find a fix for that?

[@andywren8801]

Matt Gudgel not yet

[@ingridzaharris7176]

Any luck either of you?

[@andywren8801]

Ingrid Zaharris mine was the clock spring Cruise still not working

[@ingridzaharris7176]

@@andywren8801 ok thanks

[@markweiss5152]

There are no moving/sliding contacts.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Correct, not nowadays anyway.

[@noone-ft9lw]

Yep thats whats wrong with my F-250

[@loudandfree4059]

Has anyone had a horn on a 2018 f150 just come on its own while driving or off and it'll be full on, without anyone tapping the horn. Got to take to the dealer!!

[@yourselfdotcom]

There isnt even a clock or a spring. I feel cheated.