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Another airbag light with a twist perhaps
http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=70017		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  bebey [ Tue Aug 14, 2012 10:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Another airbag light with a twist perhaps
2006 CRD. 106k miles. GRD hot tune.

I had an aftermarket stereo installed some time back. No problems after. Recently, I decided to upgrade the head unit. I noticed driving home that my airbag light (red one on dash and the passenger airbag light both) was now on. I don't know if it was on coming directly out of the shop or after I had been driving home a while (I was paying attention to the new radio!)

My horn and cruise control work (although I do seem to remember my cruise stop working for a short time about a year ago but then resumed with no problems since.). I turned wheel from side to side to see if airbag light(s) were affected. No change.

Kind of sounds like a clock spring, kind of not? I'm not sure. No CEL, only airbag lights (both dash and passenger side). And it seems odd that so close to being in the shop that a clockspring would go out at the same time. I believe in coincidence, but not very often...

Thoughts? Is there something that a simple head unit swap utilizing all of the old wire could have impacted regarding the airbag? And if it is a clockspring, I'm assuming the dealership has to do that? Cost?

Thanks all!
Author:  geordi [ Tue Aug 14, 2012 11:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another airbag light with a twist perhaps
Does sound like a clockspring issue.

If you go for replacing that, be sure to leave the battery unhooked for at least 30 minutes before trying anything with the bag. You don't want that thing going off in your face for any reason.
Author:  Billwill [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 8:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another airbag light with a twist perhaps
bebey wrote:
2006 CRD. 106k miles. GRD hot tune.

I had an aftermarket stereo installed some time back. No problems after. Recently, I decided to upgrade the head unit. I noticed driving home that my airbag light (red one on dash and the passenger airbag light both) was now on. I don't know if it was on coming directly out of the shop or after I had been driving home a while (I was paying attention to the new radio!)

My horn and cruise control work (although I do seem to remember my cruise stop working for a short time about a year ago but then resumed with no problems since.). I turned wheel from side to side to see if airbag light(s) were affected. No change.

Kind of sounds like a clock spring, kind of not? I'm not sure. No CEL, only airbag lights (both dash and passenger side). And it seems odd that so close to being in the shop that a clockspring would go out at the same time. I believe in coincidence, but not very often...

Thoughts? Is there something that a simple head unit swap utilizing all of the old wire could have impacted regarding the airbag? And if it is a clockspring, I'm assuming the dealership has to do that? Cost?

Thanks all!


I don't see how the clock spring has anything to do with the passenger-side airbag.
They disturbed a connector when they installed your new head unit....take it back for them to retrace their steps. :)
Author:  bebey [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 9:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another airbag light with a twist perhaps
Billwill wrote:
bebey wrote:
2006 CRD. 106k miles. GRD hot tune.

I had an aftermarket stereo installed some time back. No problems after. Recently, I decided to upgrade the head unit. I noticed driving home that my airbag light (red one on dash and the passenger airbag light both) was now on. I don't know if it was on coming directly out of the shop or after I had been driving home a while (I was paying attention to the new radio!)

My horn and cruise control work (although I do seem to remember my cruise stop working for a short time about a year ago but then resumed with no problems since.). I turned wheel from side to side to see if airbag light(s) were affected. No change.

Kind of sounds like a clock spring, kind of not? I'm not sure. No CEL, only airbag lights (both dash and passenger side). And it seems odd that so close to being in the shop that a clockspring would go out at the same time. I believe in coincidence, but not very often...

Thoughts? Is there something that a simple head unit swap utilizing all of the old wire could have impacted regarding the airbag? And if it is a clockspring, I'm assuming the dealership has to do that? Cost?

Thanks all!


I don't see how the clock spring has anything to do with the passenger-side airbag.
They disturbed a connector when they installed your new head unit....take it back for them to retrace their steps. :)


Yea, I did. They opened it up and said they re-checked everything and looked around but did not find anything.
Author:  geordi [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 11:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another airbag light with a twist perhaps
Clockspring issue would most likely cause the computer to automatically disable all the airbags - if it can't blow the main one, it isn't going to do any for the passengers either.
Author:  bebey [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 10:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another airbag light with a twist perhaps
Appreciate the insight. Any idea what I should expect to pay the mafia to replace it?
Author:  geordi [ Wed Aug 15, 2012 10:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another airbag light with a twist perhaps
Eh? You can replace the clockspring yourself, it isn't that hard to do - pull the battery, walk away for at least 30 minutes. (Check the service manual about this, but that should be enough time b/c it was on the two previous vehicles I've done this on)

There are only a couple bolts that hold the airbag onto the wheel, you shouldn't need to disassemble anything else to get to them, just use a socket on the back of the wheel. The bag pulls right off - The clockspring is under there. Unplug, unscrew, reverse.

Your local parts department at the stealer might even have them in stock. Last vehicle I did this on (90 Lincoln Mark VII) the part was like $40 or so.

Service manual (2005) page 8o-17. That is section 8-O-as-in-option.
Author:  bebey [ Thu Aug 16, 2012 12:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another airbag light with a twist perhaps
If it is that simple, I'm up for the task. I thought I read something here on another thread about something having to be perfectly aligned, and then a dealer scan tool being required to reset it. Not the case?
Author:  Billwill [ Thu Aug 16, 2012 10:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another airbag light with a twist perhaps
bebey wrote:
If it is that simple, I'm up for the task. I thought I read something here on another thread about something having to be perfectly aligned, and then a dealer scan tool being required to reset it. Not the case?


Have a good look at the clock spring before you totally remove it.....it is pre-wound a turn in one direction.

There is a clear plastic window on the top of it and you have to wind the spring so that a flag shows in the window then fit the assembly into place.....the instructions are on the side.

If you do not pre-wind it.....you will snap the new clock spring the instant you turn hard in one direction...I cant remember which one :wink:

There is no resetting required....if the ECM picks up good responses from the airbags at startup then you are good for go. :D
Author:  bebey [ Thu Aug 16, 2012 8:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Another airbag light with a twist perhaps
I love this forum. Thanks again everyone.
Author:  Billwill [ Fri Aug 17, 2012 5:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another airbag light with a twist perhaps
bebey wrote:
I love this forum. Thanks again everyone.


If you replace it yourself here are the basics:

As stated disconnect battery and wait 30 minutes.
Remove plastic covers over the steering column...two small Torx screws from unnderneath.
Remove steering wheel center boss...four 8mm bolts from behind.
Remove nut holding steering wheel in place....17mm socket I think.
Mark the exact position of the steering wheel to the splined shaft with a small punch so you get the wheel back in the same position.
Use a small two-jaw bearing puller to pull off the steering wheel...place a spacer or large nut over the steering shaft so as not to damage the exposed thread on the shaft.
Note how the clock spring is fitted...look through the clear plastic section at the position of the "flag"
Remove the connectors....takes a bit of fiddling!

Fit the new clock spring making sure the flag is visible in the clear plastic window and re-fit everything.
Keep fingers crossed that the problem is now fixed. :D

I personally would first check that all the related connectors are firmly in place...both at the clock spring and then under the dash. :?
Author:  bebey [ Fri Aug 17, 2012 10:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Another airbag light with a twist perhaps
Billwill wrote:
bebey wrote:
I love this forum. Thanks again everyone.


If you replace it yourself here are the basics:

As stated disconnect battery and wait 30 minutes.
Remove plastic covers over the steering column...two small Torx screws from unnderneath.
Remove steering wheel center boss...four 8mm bolts from behind.
Remove nut holding steering wheel in place....17mm socket I think.
Mark the exact position of the steering wheel to the splined shaft with a small punch so you get the wheel back in the same position.
Use a small two-jaw bearing puller to pull off the steering wheel...place a spacer or large nut over the steering shaft so as not to damage the exposed thread on the shaft.
Note how the clock spring is fitted...look through the clear plastic section at the position of the "flag"
Remove the connectors....takes a bit of fiddling!

Fit the new clock spring making sure the flag is visible in the clear plastic window and re-fit everything.
Keep fingers crossed that the problem is now fixed. :D

I personally would first check that all the related connectors are firmly in place...both at the clock spring and then under the dash. :?


Great callouts! Thanks again!
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