Airbag System/Occupant Restraint Controller System And Occupant Classification System: CLOCKSPRING
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan, 2006 Dodge Caravan, and 2006 Chrysler Town & Country. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The clockspring is mounted on the steering column under the steering wheel. This assembly consists of a plastic hosing which contains a flat, ribbon-like, electrically conductive tape that winds and unwinds with the steering wheel rotation. The clockspring is used to maintain a continuous electrical circuit between the instrument panel wiring and the driver airbag, the horn, and the vehicle speed control switches if equipped. The clockspring must be properly centered when it is reinstalled on the steering column following any service procedure, or it could be damaged. The clockspring cannot be repaired and it must be replaced.