The horn stopped working, could it be the Clock Spring?

TF43

MEMBER
2000 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE
1.5L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
120,000 MILES

Horn stopped working and understand it could be the clock spring. The relay and fuss test out okay and you can bypass the relay and activate the horn.
Plus, not sure if related, but one side of the turn signal also fails to return to off position - perhaps the switch itself, or related to the clock spring?
thanks much guys.
Terry

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

There is a chance the signal is related, but my first thoughts say it's not.

Is the Airbag light staying on? It is used by the clock spring as well. Just curious.

As far as the replacement of the clock spring, I attached the directions below. Let me know if this helps.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

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Saturday, November 26th, 2022 AT 11:08 PM

TF43

MEMBER
99 POSTS

I take it the air bag light is the SRS light lower right side. Not a picture of an air bag? If yes, then when driving it today, yes, the airbag light is on.
Sometimes that light is off though and just the horn doesn't work with the wheel anymore.
I ordered a clock spring out of China, for what that is worth, about all I can find on eBay.
Rock Auto didn't list them. Maybe it is a loose wire, but I haven't taken it apart either to see.
Plus, I ordered a turn signal switch as well. Thanks for the information. I have 2 or 3 different manuals for the thing, but they are not the greatest either. Thanks much and will let you know what I find. Terry

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Sunday, November 27th, 2022 AT 1:51 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

If the horn and the SRS are causing issues, then I suspect you are correct, and the clock spring is the cause.

One other thought, the first step is to disconnect the battery. Allow the vehicle to sit for approximately 20 minutes prior to starting the work.

If you have questions or run into trouble, let me know.

Take care and I look forward to hearing from you.

Joe

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Sunday, November 27th, 2022 AT 7:21 PM

TF43

MEMBER
99 POSTS

Hi Joe,

Thought I'd provide an update. And it has been a while now even. But I changed the clock spring, easy enough and the horn honked one time.
Okay, got under the car and removed both horns to test. Well go figure, both horns were right on top of that. LOL. Got some replacement horn from Rock Auto and of course the connection and mounting did not match the original for this Mirage.
Anyway, horn works fine now, and I can honk at all the people I wish. LOL

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Saturday, December 23rd, 2023 AT 1:52 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

Thanks for the update. It sounds like you have the same type of luck as me. LOL Regardless, you did what it took and got it working. That's what is important.

Take care and I hope you have a great Christmas.

Joe