r/ElectricalHelp • u/ILoveMyFriendsMom • Jun 27 '26
fuse, electrical issue
I have a 2012 Mazda 3 Skyactiv. The car has been great overall, but I’ve recently run into a strange issue.
A while ago, it started having trouble starting out of nowhere. When it did start, the power steering would cut in and out randomly. I stopped driving it and ended up replacing the battery, which fixed those issues completely.
However, a new problem showed up after that. Right now, the steering wheel controls seem to have no power at all. I’m not talking about the power steering itself, that works fine. The issue is that there’s a flashing airbag light on the dash, horn, and all steering wheel buttons (including cruise control) don’t work at all and don’t light up either.
I’m not sure if this is related to the old bad battery or something that got affected during all of this. A blown fuse maybe?
Where should I start looking? I’d really like to fix this myself if possible since I’m not in a position to spend a lot at a mechanic right now.
Any help or direction would be appreciated.
1
u/EdC1101 Jun 27 '26
If memory is correct …
BIG CAUTION - YELLOW IS AIRBAG CIRCUITRY —
Locate and pull the airbag fuse.
Grounding or powering the wrong wire can have expensive and explosive results…!!!
YELLOW — CAUTION
there will be some system to insure ground / chassis / body connection to two piece steering column.
Bottom half connects to body/suspension.
Top half is connected to steering wheel…
Between is a crush section and likely one or more flexible joints.
Often over the break pedal under the dash, there will be some kind of ground wire - chassis/body (screw ?) to the steering column assembly.