NB8A Driver's Airbag wiring

[KevGoat]

After replacing the warning bulbs that had been removed from the instrument panel in my NB8A by the previous owner, my airbag warning light was giving me a code 6. So after checking around, I took the steering wheel apart today and found this ...



The plug from the clockspring that plugs in to the airbag has been cut off I've tried searches to work out which wire goes to which connector (there's only two wires), but so far no luck.

Does anyone know which way round the wires go? Any photo's of the wheel airbag plugged in & the clockspring plug wiring would be really helpful.

Also, if anyone happens to have the two pin plug off the end of those cables from an old clockspring with some wire to splice to, I'd really appreciate it. I'd prefer to have the proper plug on there if possible. ...

Thanks for any help ...

[taminga16]

Kev,
I cannot help you with the wiring but please do not forget that the bits that you are working on are explosive and very dangerous, short circuits and static can be hazardous.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
Greg.

[KevGoat]

Thanks Greg ...

I'm being extremely cautious! Keeping as much out of the way as I can should anything blow and making sure I've disconnected the battery & allowed plenty of time for discharge in any capacitors etc before doing anything.

That's also why Id prefer to use an original plug if possible, as I don't want any chance of short circuits or faulty aftermarket plugs.

I'll purchase another clockspring if I have to, but seems an expensive alternative when this one is probably fully functional.

[KevGoat]

I have found an image of the wiring and the plug I'm missing.



From what I've gathered, it appears these are just a conduit for current flow to the airbag, allowing the wheel movement. There are no electrical components inside, just the through connections. As long as the spring inside works properly and the horn works, the unit is functional. Is that correct?

[KevGoat]

So I decided to purchase a used clock spring and I'll replace the complete unit.

I'll still take a plug for mine if anyone has one and I'll repair that one as a spare ...

Cheers

[bootz]

Pardon my ignorance but what function does the 'clockspring' perform? Is it like a detonator?

[KevGoat]

Pardon my ignorance but what function does the 'clockspring' perform? Is it like a detonator?

Just learning about them myself, but no it's not a detonator. The airbag detonator is embedded in the airbag unit. The clock spring sits behind the steering wheel on the wiper/lights switch unit.

From what I've ascertained so far, the clock spring is quite benign in nature. It is responsible for switching off the indicators on return to center, as well as passing current through to the horn buttons and through to the airbag as well as any steering wheel functions such as audio controls etc. Horn not working together with an airbag warning light can be an indication that the clock spring unit has a malfunction.

Any form of interruption or resistance to current flow through to the airbag unit creates an error that shows up on the instrument panel as a code, displayed via the airbag light in a pattern of flashes. Mine had a pretty major disruption

The main concern when working around any airbags is that there is an explosive within the airbag, plus the displacement of the airbag in itself can be dangerous, so it is essential to use care. All residual current needs to be removed/reduced in the circuits by removing the negative battery terminal and allowing sufficient time, and care taken so that electrical contacts are not shorted in any way.

Oh...and never leave bare wires flailing around!!!

[Kenstaki]

I have a wiring diagram .pdf with colour designations for '00 and '01 if you want me to upload, it's quite a large file.

[KevGoat]

Thanks, but I don't actually need it now, as I decided it would be better to replace the clock spring.


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[KevGoat]

Just wanted to thank people for their PM's offering replacement clock springs and wiring assistance. Am sorted for now, but if this replacement is faulty, I'll be chasing one of you up

Much appreciated everyone

[hks_kansei]

And just to make it super clear to everybpdy reading that may want to work near the airbag.

YOU DO NOT WANT IT GOING OFF IN YOUR FACE

If you're too close, and it goes off, an airbag will have no trouble snapping your neck.

There's a reason you should sit the correct distance from the wheel, and that baby seats/children aren't supposed to be seated near an airbag.

[KevGoat]

Just to add to the precautions ...

I read today on another forum that not only is it vitally important to disconnect the battery and allow time for the residual power to dissipate and for the air-bag's backup battery to run down (approx 30 mins), it is also essential that absolutely no item that has any power is connected or plugged in anywhere on the car's electrical system. That includes items such as MP3 players, Mobile Phones, iPods, GPS, Portable DVD Players, Car Alarm Backup Battery and so on ... all have batteries storing power that could be drawn on by the airbag.

As an extra precaution, I have also been wearing rubber medical gloves to reduce static. It's something I learned back in my younger days working in a TV & Electrical Repair shop and I still do this when working on certain electrics. The guy that thought I was over cautious and wouldn't wear them eventually ended up thrown across the shop from a static discharge .....

Just to show what can happen: http://youtu.be/Ir14uz55-vs ... and they are trained rescuers!

[hks_kansei]

another:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6YLIwzbbyM

If it can throw an adult male what looks to be about 8 feet into the air, it's got some power in it.

[KevGoat]

Fitted the replacement clock-spring today. Put everything back together and has fixed the air-bag warning light

Now have fully functional air-bag again...