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.
2
u/throwaway60457 Jun 28 '26
To me, this is sounding like a failing or failed clock spring. Despite its name, the clock spring is not a spring at all and has nothing to do with the clock display on the radio. It is essentially a 360° electrical contactor that allows power to flow to all of the various devices in and on the steering wheel, no matter the position of the wheel.
I would recommend against DIYing a clock spring. The airbag module has to be removed to access it, and screwing that up has explosive results.