The new range from PAT is now available

PAT says it is thrilled to launch its new Premium Clock Springs range, featuring 185 SKUs and more on the way.
Sourced from leading global suppliers, PAT says this range delivers exceptional quality, reliability, and performance.

What is a clock spring?
A clock spring is a crucial electrical component in a vehicle, responsible for maintaining a continuous connection between the steering column and the steering wheel, airbag, horn, and other electrical components.
It is a coiled wire wound around and housed in a protective casing.
As the steering wheel is turned, the clock spring uncoils and recoils, allowing the wires to stretch and contract without breaking.
Over time, the clock spring can wear out or become damaged, leading to issues with the steering column’s airbag or other electrical components.
One of the most common symptoms of a faulty clock spring is the airbag light staying on constantly.

Other names for a clock spring
Clock springs may also be referred to as a coil spring unit, clock spring coil, spiral cable, contact reel, coil assembly, or cable reel assembly.
Regardless of the name, they all serve the same function.

How does a clock spring work?
A clock spring contains a wound-up wire (ribbon cable) inside and allows the airbag, horn, and steering wheel buttons to stay connected as the steering wheel is rotated – as you turn your steering wheel; you will always maintain contact between the airbag and the control module.
The driver’s airbag may not deploy if the SRS or airbag light is on due to a broken clock spring.
The driver’s airbag circuit will trigger a high resistance fault code, potentially causing the driver’s airbag not to deploy if involved in an accident.
Sometimes, you may need a scan tool to reset the steering angle sensor if it has been removed to replace the clock spring.
In some applications the steering angle sensor may be integrated within the clock spring assembly itself.
In vehicles fitted with stability or traction control, the steering angle sensor function determines the position of the steering wheel.
This data is used by traction control or ABS and other systems such as ESC / ESP / TCS.
The steering wheel position is reported in degrees. Always disconnect the battery and wait five minutes before replacing or disconnecting any airbag restraint system components.

How do I know if the clock spring has failed?
Here is a list of the most common problems you may experience when the clock spring fails:
• Airbag light is on – a common problem often caused by a defective clock spring; you may get any of the following errors:
• Driver airbag squib circuit high resistance
• Airbag circuit resistance is too high
• Driver side air bag circuit high resistance or open
• Driver squib circuit open
• Horn doesn’t work – sometimes, a bad clock spring can cause the horn to stop working.
• The cruise control switch does not work – on some vehicles, the cruise control is mounted on the steering wheel. If so, the cruise control wires are routed via the clock spring.
• Steering wheel buttons don’t work – your radio or stereo may perform adequately, but you can no longer change volume, change stations, or control the radio from the steering wheel. You may no longer be able to answer phone calls or hang up using your steering wheel buttons.
• A rubbing noise when you turn the steering wheel – this is one of the early warning signs that the clock spring is starting to fail. Eventually, the clock spring will wear, and the ribbon inside the clock spring will break.
• ESP / ETS / TCS light on – these systems require steering angle position, and on certain vehicles, that function is integrated inside the clock spring.
If you experience one or more of these issues, the clock spring may be defective.

Can a clock spring be repaired?
PAT says most clock springs cannot be repaired successfully. Instead, PAT says that if the clock spring fails, a replacement is the best solution.

For more information, please contact the PAT Customer Service team on 1300 472 872.