Electrical problems, clock spring wiring bad?

FILIPEKW6

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE
5.3L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

Hello. The electrics do not work in the car, it works only when I turn the steering wheel to the left and at some point I stop. If I do and stop it, all the electrics are working inside, it is a radio, blower, dash, multifunction steering wheel, windows, central locking. What could be wrong? The car has 250,000 mileage. A head gasket must be made in the car. But would that cause problems with the electrics inside? I think not, since after turning the steering wheel there is a moment when everything works.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

A head gasket issue is not going to cause the issues that you are seeing.

If this happens only when you turn the wheel then it is most likely a clock spring issue as it is shorted or finding a short on the spiral cable.

Here is a guide that will help with this as it provides step by step instructions:

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

If you want to confirm this, I would check for codes as you most likely have some stored codes that will point to the clock spring. If you do then I would go ahead and replace it. It could be a harness issue that is getting stretched but a clockspring is more likely.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Below you will find the process from the manual that will help with replacing this.

Please let us know if you have questions or what you find. Thanks

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