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Pages: 1

What did I do wrong?

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Posted by: 01LSVT

Okay, so I just replaced the clockspring after fully inspecting the wires under the seat that lead to the yellow plug. Took the old clockspring out, and the new one went in fine. The only symptom I was getting, was the 3-2 airbag light. I get everything back together, and think that the 3-2 was going to be gone. I start the car, and the 3-2 light is still there!

So I drive to Ford where I have a guy I used to work with there, hook up the diagnostic equipment up to it. He says it has to be some wiring that leads up to the airbag, and it's definitely not the wiring under the seat according to the diag. So I leave the dealership, and realize that the cruise control and radio controls on the steering wheel don't work. I'm going through everything in my head, and everything seemed to go together fine. All three plugs clicked into place on the clockspring box. There are two plugs that go into the steering column, and then the two that come through the wheel that hook up to the cruise control/radio control surround piece, and the one that hooks up to the airbag itself. Am I missing something?

Mark

Posted by: jcharb

Did you check all your fuses, that's where i'd start..

Posted by: 97stscaddy

I suppose it possible the replacement part is defective...

I was thinking maybe you mixed up the 3 plugs and connected them to the wrong ones but IIRC they are all slightly different. Besides that, the airbag plug is smaller than the other 2, so it can't be plugged into the wrong one.

Posted by: 01LSVT

Found out what I did wrong! I had a hunch that this was it, but Ford confirmed it. When I put the steering wheel control and airbag sensors through the steering wheel, I pulled back on the wheel a little bit and pulled the sensor that those two leads go into. I pushed it back in, and it clicked, so I figured it was fine. Evidently, this broke the connection completely. So they asked if I wanted to get another clockspring and do it myself, or just have them do it. I went ahead and let them do the work, as I was still a little hesitant on whether that was the entire reason why my airbag light was on. Long story short, they replaced the clockspring and everything is perfect. I feel like such a putz!

Mark

Posted by: gcwimmer

I have turned a few DIY projects into a long lost weekend at twice the cost of paying a professional.

“Either you pay’s me now or pay’s me more later.”

Posted by: 01LSVT

Quote:

Originally Posted by gcwimmer

I have turned a few DIY projects into a long lost weekend at twice the cost of paying a professional.

“Either you pay’s me now or pay’s me more later.”

That's the sad part! Once I rounded up the gear puller, this was a simple, straight forward job. How I managed to screw it up, well......

Mark

Posted by: vikingdiesel

Wait, so before I should change the clockspring, I should look under the drivers seat and make sure a yellow plug is connected?

Posted by: 97stscaddy

No, you need to make sure the wires that go to the yellow plug aren't broken.

Posted by: spgoode

One of the wires to the yellow plug under my seat is half broken. Three of the six strands are severed. I'm getting the 3-2 airbag light. I have no problem with my steering wheel controls. Could the half broken wire cause the light?