Airbag Light Flashing!

[Flghtmstr1]

Hey Guys,

I installed a Cobra steering shaft a couple of weeks ago because mine was falling apart. During the install, I think I messed up the clockspring somehow because now the steering makes weird clicking noises when I turn the wheel.

That was the only problem for a while, then one day my airbag light started flashing. I'm pretty sure it's the clockspring causing it, but I want to be sure before throwing money at it. My question, then, is can I tell what the problem is by the number/pattern of flashes, or do I need to take it to ford and pay $95 for them to scan it? Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Mossberg]

I think only Ford can address the SRS system.

 

[ToplessStang]

Turn the key to the ON position, the airbag light will do what is called a prove out, meaning it will light for about 4 seconds to show that the bulb is working.

It will then trun off, NOW you start counting the flashes. It will flash for example 4 times in a row then there will be about a 2 second pause and flash twice. This would be code 42.

After you are done, turn the key off and do it again to confirm. Once you got your code, post it here for more info.

 

[Flghtmstr1]

Turn the key to the ON position, the airbag light will do what is called a prove out, meaning it will light for about 4 seconds to show that the bulb is working.

It will then trun off, NOW you start counting the flashes. It will flash for example 4 times in a row then there will be about a 2 second pause and flash twice. This would be code 42.

After you are done, turn the key off and do it again to confirm. Once you got your code, post it here for more info.

Thanks ToplessStang! The AIR BAG light flashed "32" five times in a row, then went solid. Anyone know what that means?

 

[BlownFiveLiter]

Not sure if the 01 system is the same as in my 95, but this site lists it as 1995+ and says that the most common problem with code 32 is the clock spring.

 

[ToplessStang]

Thanks ToplessStang! The AIR BAG light flashed "32" five times in a row, then went solid. Anyone know what that means?

No problem. Yes 32 can most likely be caused by the clock spring. It is the code for Driver Air Bag Circuit Resistance High. Seeing as you were working around that area, you may have messed it up.

Just curious, does your cruise control or horn work??

 

[Flghtmstr1]

Thanks everyone who contributed to this thread. I'm almost positive it is my clock spring, because my horn and cruise control went out tonight. Before, they were still working, so that's why I was iffy about it. Now that they're inop, there's little doubt as to the cause. :SNSign:

 

[[BlackDiamond]]

Yup, it's your clockspring.

Hold the horn while turning your wheel all the way to one side, then the other, you'll see that the horn will work eventually (when the little wires touch in the clockspring).

I've had this happen a few times, next time, just make sure you dont spin the wheel freely while changing the shaft.

Changing the clockspring takes honestly less than 30 minutes, so just get one and do it.