Question2000 Ford F-250 w/ titlt column-
The airbag light is on; flashes 3 times pause 2-times then remains on while driving. The horn and cruise control Do Not Work. Could this be a clock spring issue or what?
AnswerHi Robert:
You are most likely correct in assuming the clockspring has gone bad. A code 32 is 'an open in the driver's airbag circuit'. Here are some links and information I think you will find come in handy, as well as another website (company) of mine.
The clockspring is a ribbon wire that is coiled up inside the steering column. This component is the subject of many discussions on these threads. Many times the steering wheel or column is disconnected and then rotated beyond the center position it is required to be in. This will cause the clockspring wire to break. The clockspring delivers current to all of the systems above it… the airbag, cruise control and horn. When it fails (and they do a lot) the wire breaks leaving one or all of the circuits open and inoperative. This will cause the airbag light to come on and shut down the airbag system. As long as that light is on, the airbags will NOT deploy, even in an accident. Sometimes it’s intermittent as the wire begins to break. Once it breaks completely, the ‘airbag’ light will illuminate.
This was a factory recall for many vehicles and many customers are unaware of that.
Check out this site for information on researching your own vehicle for factory recalls!!!
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/nhtsa.aspx
…or contact your local dealer and they will accommodate the replacement for you.
Check out these web pages for a more complete description:
http://www.airbagsolutions.com
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/docs/Clockspring.pdf
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/resources.aspx
