Airbag Warning Light on and Horn Not Working? 5 Causes

Is your vehicle’s airbag warning light on and the horn not working? More often than not, this issue is caused by the steering wheel clock spring. However, there can be other issues that lead to a malfunctioning car horn while the airbag light is on. We’ll explain everything in detail in this blog post.

What Causes Airbag Light Lit and Horn Not Working?

Clock spring malfunction, issues in the vehicle’s electrical system, problems with the airbag control module, and steering column complications can cause malfunctions in both the airbag light and the horn. 

Here is an in-depth explanation.

Clock Spring Malfunction

The clock spring maintains an electrical connection between the steering wheel and the rest of the vehicle, allowing for the use of various controls, including the horn and the airbag system.

If the clock spring is damaged or worn out, it can disrupt this connection, leading to both an airbag warning light and a non-functioning horn. The clock spring can degrade over time due to regular use or exposure to environmental factors.

Electrical System Issues

The airbag and horn systems of a vehicle are powered by the car’s electrical system. If the electrical system suffers from issues such as corroded wires, loose connections, or blown fuses, it can affect multiple systems simultaneously.

These electrical issues can disrupt the flow of power and signals needed for the proper functioning of both the horn and the airbag system.

Airbag Control Module Problems

The airbag control module acts as the central processing unit for the airbag system. If this module encounters issues like software glitches or physical damage, it can trigger the airbag light.

Usually, the airbag module doesn’t have a direct link with the horn system, but in some vehicle models, the module is also linked to the horn circuit, where a malfunction could impact both systems.

Steering Column Complications

The steering column houses various controls and wiring. Issues within the steering column, such as a damaged harness or dislodged wiring, can affect both the horn and airbag systems.

The proximity of these systems within the steering assembly makes them susceptible to shared faults. We have inspected this issue in many old vehicles.

Blown Fuses

Specific fuses are responsible for the operation of the airbag system and horn. A blown fuse or a faulty relay can lead to the failure of both horn and airbag systems. Checking the vehicle’s fuse box for any blown fuses is a crucial step in diagnosing these issues.

Does the Airbag Clock Spring Control the Horn?

Yes, the airbag clock spring plays a crucial role in controlling the horn. This component, located within the steering column, maintains a continuous electrical connection between the steering wheel and the vehicle’s electrical system. The clock spring ensures the operation of both the airbag system and the horn.

How to Identify Clock Spring Issues in Steering?

When a clock spring affects horn operation, several symptoms can emerge, signaling a need for diagnostic attention. Some of the symptoms are,

• The most direct symptom is the horn either not working at all or functioning intermittently. This occurs when the clock spring’s electrical circuit is broken or compromised.
• Often, a faulty clock spring triggers the airbag warning light on the dashboard, as it disrupts the connection to the airbag system.
• If the vehicle has audio or cruise control buttons on the steering wheel, malfunctioning of these controls can also indicate clock spring problems.
• Sometimes, a clicking or snapping noise from the steering column during wheel rotation can signal clock spring wear or damage.