All 1996 and newer models use the newer "on-board diagnostics, version 2, (OBD2), emissions system, so you're going to need a scanner, or a code reader capable of talking to those systems. Also, most OBD1 code readers can only read fault codes in the Engine Computer. There are some simple OBD2 code readers that are capable of accessing Air Bag and Anti-lock Brake Computers, but mechanics use scanners that can talk to all of the dozens of computers.
The first question is, why was the clock spring replaced? If it was because the ribbon cable snapped, that would have been detected by the Air Bag Computer which would have set the fault code and turned on the warning light. Simply replacing the clock spring isn't going to erase that fault code or turn the light off. Most code readers don't erase fault codes either. To add to the misery, while fault codes in Engine and Transmission Computers can often be erased by disconnecting the negative battery cable for a few minutes, that doesn't always work with Air Bag and ABS Computers. On a lot of car and light truck models, you will need the scanner to erase the fault codes. That will turn off the warning lights.
The next question is, who replaced the clock spring? If it was done by a competent do-it-yourselfer, or even an inexperienced mechanic, a common mistake is to install the new part while the steering system is not perfectly centered. The internal ribbon cable has just enough slack to allow it to wind up and unwind freely when turning from full-left to full-right, and little more. When the clock spring is installed with the steering system one revolution left or right from centered, when you do finally turn fully one way, the cable is going to become tight, then will be ripped off on one end, or it is going to unwind too far and fold over on itself. Folding over will happen multiple times before the cable cracks apart.
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Monday, November 4th, 2019 AT 5:09 PM
