Roll Connector "Clock Spring" Diagnosis and Replacement

How-to test and replace the “roll connector” AKA clock spring to fix the horn wiring behind the airbag on a Subaru Crosstrek or most any other car. This repair fixed the horn on this car. It can also potentially fix the: airbag light, cruise control, radio controls, paddle shifter, etc. This also covers, airbag removal, steering wheel removal, and steering angle sensor replacement as well as diagnosing broken wires in the clock spring or roll connector unit.
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Disclaimer: Just disconnect the negative battery terminal before performing this job. A clip for window Auto calibration is at the end. And you can reprogram your presets for radio etc. and re drive your car to pass emissions later.
Before making a decision based on information you find on KZbin, or anywhere else online when it comes to your car, the environment, or your safety, be aware of the risks.
Due to factors beyond the control of briansmobile1, briansmobile1 assumes no liability for injury or property damage incurred as a result of the presentation of this information contained in this here video or any of the other briansmobile1 videos.
briansmobile1 recommends safe practices including the use of personal protective equipment such as eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, guards, shields, and respiratory protective devices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video.
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On behalf of myself, my wife and two kids, thanks for watching this video. I hope they've helped you tackle something you thought was a challenge and left you feeling like a power for win! And if nothing else, perhaps you had a laugh and were entertained!

[@137kevin]

This was probably the most informative how to video ever. Much appreciated.

[@MrTedwilson]

Thanks so much. This video is awesome and saved me a lot of cash.

[@LuisSanchez-fm8to]

My horn wasn’t working on my 16 Legacy then I found your video and figured out this was my issue. Dealership wanted ~$500, i found the part for $90 and knocked it out thanks to your video. Thank you so much!!!

[@SweetPeaCherry]

This is an AWESOME step by step video!! I just replaced my clock spring on my 2016 Legacy. The dealership told me $400 for the part and $1000-$1400 for labor?! I came across your video and immediately knew I could do this. Part was $147 from the SAME dealership. 🤣 Took me just under an hour! 💪

[@fredharvey2720]

My 16 Legacy is in the shop for this right now, God help me.

[@MartyZaluski]

Incredible video. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together. My daughter and I just replaced her horn in about an hour and a half. The toughest part was removing the stupid tabs to pop the center horn out 😮

[@jimmynotjim]

You saved me so much grief, pretty easy and worked perfectly. Thanks for the perfect instructions

[@briansmobile1]

Welcome Jimmy! Thanks for the sub!

[@roberthumphreys1316]

Replaced the clock spring in my 16 Forester this morning after watching your video twice. The most challenging part of the work was removing the air bag. Thank you for posting this lesson it really helped me a lot!

[@markcampbell4352]

This is a great video. It took 1 hour and 30 minutes, but the instructions were PERFECT. A significant time was spent trying to locate the spring clips in the first step. The bottom one was easiest. Everything else was straight forward and easy as you described. Thanks so much!!

[@areid1440]

Over the years I've learnt soo much from you. Keep at it 👍

[@camronbitzer3159]

You're the man. Awesome mechanic, good editor. Thanks guys.

[@russevan66]

Just replaced my roll connector, fixed the horn, and had a good laugh or two. All thanks to this video. Many thanks!

[@mikej1389]

Always a great tutorial - Brian you are great mechanic and humble man to share your professional knowledge as well as your adventures. Yes I can still flip the cassette in my 95 yj to hear the second part of this story. Cheers

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks Mike! I think you just made my day!

[@cbizzle33]

Worked like a charm on my 2015 Subaru Outback. I appreciate the video. Disconnected my battery was the only difference. 4 second window rule worked too!

[@tqmahler]

Thanks man, you made it easy. Took little time and worked like a charm.

[@avianaviator1570]

Gotta love that bonus footage.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Bonus footage off the chain loved it

[@MrBCRIAMDO]

Greatly appreciate ! Very easy to follow instructions. Saved me at least $500. I used it on my 2016 Subaru Outback Premium. Again thanks. Ben

[@scottangeldufour788]

Awesome video! Smooth as butter with 1 hand. Thanks for the great video.

[@steveh5814]

A big thank you for making this process as clear as possible. You definitely have the right technique for explaining this both visually and verbally. Best step by step car repair video I've seen yet.

[@briansmobile1]

You just made my day Steve! And it was a rough day. And someone's wife sent me crumble cookies and this beat that. Thanks!

[@benjaminyoungblood7328]

Great video! Just used the instructions found here and fixed my horn issue. Power to the people! 🛠️

[@hdperkey]

Omg, thank you! I've never even changed the oil in my vehicle, and I did this flawlessly to my 2022 Sub Forester, thanks to your video. You're awesome.

[@darwinalberto31]

Dude I just fixed my 2014 Subaru outback following yours instructions. Appreciate your video.

[@dantegaytan2614]

Thanks for the video!! I was able to get this replaced in about an hour thanks to this. You rock!

[@JPeck-qy5gh]

Excellent detail. Thanks for your time and content.

[@alward9901]

Hi Brian , just like a true VIKING keep your blade handy in case of attack , don’t disconnect the battery lol , nice job look forward to the next one , from trucker AL retired .

[@ronodowd9760]

thanks. couldn't have done it without you. the toothpick thing uhh..didn't really work for me but it all went well any way. blessings to you bro!

[@mostlymoparih5682]

Kinda funny that the owner named his horn Dory. Not give a little wiggle, it's give a little whistle. Don't think I'll ever be working on a Subaru and if I do I will just bring it to you to fix. Always good to watch you and listen to your logic. Steering? Yeah have a tie rod snap while making a turn at 35 mph and go from full left turn and when you try to turn the other way go to full right turn and while you are on the brakes to stop as quickly as possible hopefully before you hit that pole. That is the synopsis of my experience of losing my steering safety thing that you talk about before. Pretty cool BFATE. Happy Motoring.

[@paulaquipel7472]

wow this is EXTREMELY helpfull! Thanks so much!

[@jost8633]

Thank you very much for the tutorial!! I make it this morning and now the horn is working well !!!

[@DrGoldenWang]

Great video, thank you. Had to replace in my 2015 Legacy. Definitely earned a new subscriber.

[@bordoname]

You sir, saved me $500. Thanks for the detailed tutorial!

[@pyo60]

Awesome video! Thank you. I was able to do it myself in around 30 minutes.

[@ytentertainment4913]

Thanks man! Horn isn't working on my 16 WRX and I think this is exactly the issue. I think I may fix it myself, I just wish it wasn't January in Canada or I had a garage, you made it seem doable. Cheers.

[@rolandkee335]

It’s April, have you fixed yours? Hoping to do mine soon (2013 XV Crosstrek).

[@rodolfolopez6363]

Thanks for the video! Helped me do it myself and save about $250 in quoted labor from the dealer. And the part is cheaper online too. I just wish the new part had the Orange “window”. Mine didn’t.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good repair and diagnostics video Brian

[@onetimer100]

Hey thanks for posting this awesome tutorial. Just got finished replacing mine in our 2015 OB today. In our case the horn only worked when you turned the wheel at least 45 degrees in either direction. All good now! Also even though I have no doubt you are a far far better mechanic than me I did learn something that you may not have realized. That green pull tab on the assembly. I don't think that tab is a pull tab even though it seems very obvious that's why it's there. Mine broke when I pushed the steering wheel on fully. At first I was like "Oh crap, how am I going to get the remaining plastic out?" Then I looked at the original one and it too had a flush mount break of the plastic (with some still remaining in the assembly). I think it's a design feature. By leaving it in place you can align the roll connecter and the wheel. Simply push the wheel on fully and it snaps off and your done. This makes keeping things lined up easy! Pretty sure that's how it's meant to be done but not 100%. This would also explain why it was such a bear to pull out, but you overcame with your 'man-skills', lol. Anyhow this video was invaluable, despite spending 30 mins trying to locate the bottom release lever for the air bag, lol. Keep up the good work. Very much appreciated by us back-yard'ers! And if any of you out there are apprehensive about the air bag situation, remove the negative battery terminal. You'll be 100% safe.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video brian

[@m.l8698]

Super informative, thank you!

[@Melissa-mc1rc]

Okay so I will memorize how easy you make this and hope I can pull it off clean

[@paulaquipel7472]

I swapped out my clockspring/rollconector today on my 2013 Subaru Impreza 2.0 My horn hasn’t worked for almost a year lol It works now and your video was key in getting it done. Thank you FYI I took a chance and bought a clockspring off eBay for $28 and it worked like a charm. I could not tell the difference between original oem part and the eBay one.

[@briansmobile1]

Nice 👍

[@jensencamp4144]

i read this and took a chance with a $28 one from ebay too for my 2015 subaru outback. worked like a charm! thank you

[@paulaquipel7472]

@@rolandkee335 yes still working like a charm

[@johnbernick]

Thanks for this. I just completed the job and the hardest part was getting the airbag clips to release.

[@richc9503]

Great video!

[@hamidbelghiti1056]

Thank you bro nice video

[@ronkruse6535]

Great tutorial. The only issue I had is that the spring clips didn't release all the way through the holes in the side and bottom of the steering wheel. I need to access them from the teensy gap under the lid with a long screw driver. That was a nuisance, but everything else was pretty straightforward. I got the part for about $110 (incl shipping) from a subaru dealer offering a discount. It was about $150 from the local dealership. Thank you!

[@kweeksdraw]

Thanks for making this video! (flip cassette for rest of comment) It really made the job a piece of cake! BTW, saved $440.00 as quoted from my dealership! Whoo-hoo!

[@briansmobile1]

Nice work!

[@salvadorgutierrezr5914]

Great video braim 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@robertyoung2208]

Thanks for your video help me out to replace my clock spring

[@don7406]

Yup, I’m a chicken with airbags. Saw a video where an airbag launched a football approximately 50 yards. I’m short and skinny so it would probably fling me across the garage. I’m not gonna rag you about safety though. I prefer to let you do you at the safety level you are comfortable with. Great video and thanks for sharing.

[@onetimer100]

none of that can happen without power. Disconnect the battery at the neg terminal and go for it.

[@spelunkerd]

New garage is looking good!

[@briansmobile1]

Thanks brother!

[@fairandsquare1245]

da best, da best, thank you

[@andytheriault4439]

who, well explained video. thanks allot. very helpful

[@catalinacordova9083]

What a nice man :)

[@3gon3_87]

Nice video! I’m the only other person driving with the knee too 👊🏽

[@jelstel2319]

Wow. Amazingly informative (and entertaining to boot!). Dealership wanted $1000 for labor alone on this, and with your guidance I was able to do it myself quickly and easily and the new spring works like a charm. For any of us who do not trust our own ugga-dugga-o-meter, Subaru calls for 29ft/lbs of torque on the steering wheel nut! Btw Brian, any clue on where we could find that awesome batcave? (Or is that knowledge secret?) Thanks again. Subscribed!

[@FailingArtist]

I own 2 STis and a legacy (miss my impreza RS 😭) but a BIG MUTHUH F***ING THANKS for all the subie vids. Saved me sooo much money and time. And... god I love your little clip thingies. Im easily amused 😒

[@bwilliams1815]

bought a new clock spring from the Subaru dealer for an Ascent 2021. Bad on arrival. Buying another one. Did you test since nothing in the steering wheel works. Thanks for the info. hope the next clock spring works.

[@macardal64]

Hi, my crosstreck uses a clock spring with one connector, can I use a clock spring with two connectors (I buy this and then found the difference)

[@Stopmeghost]

Just finished this job. Like others have said, finding the clips to get the airbag off is BY FAR the most painful part. I would advise, dont be afraid to reconnect/disconnect the battery to move the steering wheel to an angle where you can see the clips thru the holes, and then recenter and disconnect once you've got them unclipped. From there, the job is a breeze.

[@donburrow1]

Welp this is gonna save me at LEAST a thousand clams and 4 or 5 ugga duggas! Thanks Brian entertaining AND helpful - plus DOGGO!

[@robertgwinn8406]

Wow pretty cool

[@adambeal7192]

This job was pretty easy with the exception of the Starbucks run my wife requested in the middle of the job, as well as my two year old demanding my attention the whole time lol.

[@swift5k23]

I should have watched this video before removing my bumper plastics and replacing the expensive horn discs which were not the problem! Also, I broke my relay when trying to check it. Any advice on how to pull a relay if you don't have the special tool? Great vid!

[@terminator4060]

is the 2015 and 2019 outback clockspring the same?

[@seantierson2633]

yeah, this is gonna save me some big money!

[@TheDBall73]

Well, this helped me pin point the problem of my horn. It is in fact the clock spring. Having said that… I’m not going to spend that much money to repair the horn.

[@DreToX9o7]

what is the device that cancels your turn signal after a turn? I have a WRX that doesn't cancel after a turn. the switch turns off when I manually hit the tab on the back of the switch but it looks like im missing something in the steering column? any help?

[@mattgettleman686]

Thank you for the video! Question for you - I did this a few months ago and now the ABS lights, traction control, and hill assist lights are coming on. I took it to a mechanic and they said it could be the angle sensor. Have you experienced this? Is there any way that I could mess up the angle sensor when doing this (didn't get it reconnected right maybe?) or do I just need to go and replace that as well? Any guidance would be super helpful. Thanks!!

[@branden495]

I have a 2018 Subaru Forester. My airbag light comes on and off intermittently. Would this be a sign of the clock spring not working properly - or something else ? Thanks so much

[@steveo782812]

It’s so cool to sit near there at dusk and watch them all leave the cave.

[@mark98070]

Ug ah dug ahs...You must watch Eric O's channel.

[@thatah1991031]

That's great. I just found this problem in current and need the solution for fix it byself, Could you give me an amz link for the roll connector part?

[@neilwells624]

Help needed where can I purchase a clock spring for a 2013 legacy

[@AustinShockley]

Any advice on aligning the steering wheel? I think it's hard for it to be dead center with how many teeth it has.

[@SadamFlu]

I would really like to know how to find out what the subaru part numbers like "22659AA120" for the different items about the car. How do I do this? Do you use a manual or something like that? Is there a website? This is really holding me back from being specific when talking to suppliers. Thanks in advanced!

[@dianewignall2139]

2016 crosstek subaru when I turn steering wheel right no horn turn left horn works. Therefore what do I purchase? A right side connector?

[@ironman1518.]

AM MOST GRATEFUL BRIAN!! The horn quit working I thought it was the relay because when I applied power to the relay it didn't click very well got a new relay it work then quit working? It works then steering wheel is NOT in the straight up and down position. Can it be the clock spring? Fuse and relay are ok. So the clock spring wire circuit to the horn, has a 'bad connection' when the steering wheel is correctly straight?

[@simonsdrift]

Hey Brian Can i use the white lithium grease on this

[@goofey1]

So got my together horn works but now traction light is on and abs and airbag light on dash..what could that be. They weren't on before

[@christianpringle9449]

Hey Brian, do you have a link to this part to purchase?

[@rtz549]

It's absurd those clock springs wear out at all. I took one apart; checked the ribbon end to end with a meter and didn't find anything wrong. Don't see how a new one fixed it but it did.

[@emiliog.4432]

Did you disconnect the battery first?

[@invinciblechive2069]

Great video with excellent instructions! quick question, if the horn, cruize, and volume button all not working, is it the same issue? Thanks

[@briansmobile1]

It could be. I'm a hands on guy. I'd put it to a continuity test from each end of the circuit.

[@USFREEDOMU]

Your expertise is outstanding and second to none. $ 300 part for a horn. That one is going tobe an issue in my book.or with my wallet.When you hear a horn it's usually followed by a few choice words and the Johnny Cash finger.. Think I'll be the nicer guy by default. Only because I don't have a horn... Rage seems tobe out of control lately. it's time to practice some Zen instead. and save $300 bucks doing so. GREAT Video . what a ending Nice nice nice .✌✌✌ Thank you brother.. next episode how to hook up your 8 track tape player

[@steveo782812]

I agree but I have always had this fear of crashing into a ditch there people can’t see me but I can lay on the horn as a cry for help.

[@USFREEDOMU]

@@steveo782812 yes there is that aspect of having a horn a good loud horn some horns ain't so loud so I agree with what you're saying absolutely

[@Caelin100]

Some states won't allow a car to be operated on the roads unless the Horn is proven (inspection sticker) to work. Other states will just hand out an unpleasant ticket if yours is found to be broken.

[@gregdryden969]

Greg G Cry and I really enjoy your video it’s very informative however I cannot find those clips on the left and the right to release the airbag the bottom is no problem I probably spent over six hours trying to find them and I’m afraid I may push on something that I shouldn’t is there any other tips that you can tell me thank you

[@chrisday4953]

I have a 2015 impreza and have tried every possible angle to release the clips and still cant find them. Did you have any luck?

[@adokur]

Hi. Outback 2014; when steering wheel is straight horn is not working, when I turned either way it works??? Thanks.

[@briansmobile1]

That's likely a clock spring.

[@chriscockrell3023]

So, what was it that failed? I know you replaced the Clock Spring thingy, but was it a wire that broke or other??

[@robertdavis6113]

so you are doing this without disconnecting your battery?

[@jamesmskipper]

Do you say to have the wheels straight ahead also?

[@briansmobile1]

Absolutely.

[@armhags1643]

What is the name of the tool you used? Thanks

[@ontogeny6474]

Just curious if there's a way to bypass with a momentary switch.

[@ontogeny6474]

@@rolandkee335 Thank you, Roland. My son was in a hurry to get some kind of horn going. He was hired by UPS to do deliveries during the Christmas season and the horn was a requirement. I bought a very inexpensive, all included horn package (with momentary switch) through Amazon and simply installed that. Way easier. Took about an hour and it's still working fine today.

[@michaelkuhns416]

Thanks for the video. Got it all back together and horn works but traction control lights stay on and eyesight lights are on and won’t turn off. Must have done something wrong.

[@briansmobile1]

It's possible. Sometimes things happen around the same time not related. Don't rule that out, but it may have been caused by connecting the wrong thing or blowing a fuse or something.

[@svtirefire]

You can also hit the panic button on your remote to see if the horn and relay are good, rather than poking around in the fuse box

[@HieuNguyen-sh6ur]

I think the panic button activates a different horn. I think it's the alarm horn instead of the steering wheel horn.

[@svtirefire]

@@HieuNguyen-sh6ur Not on my 13 outback. If you hit the panic button the horn will honk. If you hit the lock button once it will do the quieter beep alarm sound, if you hit it several times it will chirp the actual horn.

[@MoneyMarcMes]

Don't you disconnect the battery first before this procedure?

[@capman911]

What would happens if the clock spring gets out of alignment?

[@briansmobile1]

You can potentially run out of ribbon and rip it out. I'll show you in the next video! How's that?

[@FJ80Coop]

Hey brother.you ok out there in the land of quakes and fires?

[@omarzowila]

I swear, you kinda look & sound like the Bryan that worked at my dads gas station

[@emilgrigorescu8282]

👍👍👍

[@alexandermocke5031]

Cannot get the airbag off. The side pins don't want to give.

[@bkrans9]

I just did this on my 2014 Subaru Outback Limited. I spent over an hour trying to release those two side springs on the airbag. Poky-poky for an hour... Finally, I pried off the two button panels on the steering wheel--breaking them only a little bit--and that let me get at the springs and release them. Then with the airbag off, I tried to see how I could have released those springs with either a screwdriver or the picker. THERE. WAS. NO. WAY. The springs are completely inaccessible from those holes on the steering column. So word up: if, after spending 15 minutes and being unable to unlock those side springs, pry up the button panels--break them only a little bit and they'll still snap back just fine--and you can go in from there.

[@E85_STI]

I mark the spindle and steering wheel with a sharpie to line up after.

[@johnnoble55]

Just paid Garavel Subaru in Norwalk CT $589.80 to do just this on my 2016 Outback 3.6. Dealers are thieves (especially this one!) and it's my fault for not checking this earlier. Don't do what I did. Damn.