Honda Repair: 98 Civic SRS light and Cruise Control, clock spring, steering wheel

Question
I have a 98 Civic that I recently replaced the rack and pinion on.   About a month after R&P replacement my SRS light came on and has stayed on.  Now starting today my cruise stopped working.  From what I can tell from doing research online I must of screwed up the clock spring when I had the steering shaft removed.   The horn still works.  What are your thoughts?  I think one of my kids might of been playing with the steering wheel when I was replacing the rack.  Thanks

Answer
I think that when you disconnected the steering knuckle from the rack & pinion the steering wheel moved out of place. It is important that you have to lock the steering wheel in place while doing rack & pinions on vehicles with airbags because the clock spring will become off center & rip when the steering wheel is turned. All the clock spring is is a long thin wire harness wrapped up inside a round cover behind the steering wheel. It has to be properly centered to allow the steering wheel to rotate freely in both directions. It is common for people to try this repair themselves & damage the clock spring. The part has to come from a dealer, they are inexpensive & simple to replace after the steering wheel is removed. When you buy them brand new, they are locked in place by a pin that has to be removed before you can install the steering wheel. If you go to a dealer, you have a specify SRS cable reel, which is what Honda calls them. Other manufacturers call them clock springs or squibs