Airbag light on dashboard

Tiny
JOEY4
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 114,608 MILES
A diagnosis to my vehicle said that I have a problem with the steering airbag. I changed it and the light is still on. What do you think should I do?
Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 12:17 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,763 POSTS
First we need to know the exact diagnostic fault code number. That will indicate the circuit that needs further diagnosis.

Air bag assemblies themselves do not fail. If that is what you replaced based on the fault code, my suspicion is the code was referring to the "squib" or "initiator circuit". Specifically, the most common cause of this problem is a broken clock spring. That is a wound-up ribbon cable inside a plastic housing under the steering wheel. A potential clue is as the cable continues to break, the horn and cruise control will also stop working.

Here's links to articles about clock springs:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-airbag-clock-spring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/steering-wheel-clock-spring-removal

Be aware it is real easy to damage the new clock spring. They are only capable of rotating just slightly more than the steering wheel can be turned from full-left to full-right. New assemblies come locked in the centered position, and that is how they must be installed. Be sure the steering system is centered, then do not turn the steering wheel until the job is done. The new clock spring will have a piece of tape through the center. That can be torn off and discarded. The assembly will be locked and you won't be able to turn it from its centered orientation. It will be unlocked when the steering wheel is bolted on.

If you start with the steering wheel off-center, the ribbon cable will be stretched and ripped apart the first time you turn fully one way, or it will fold over on itself and crack apart after multiple turns.
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Monday, April 15th, 2019 AT 4:25 PM

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