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Question about possible airbag malfunction

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by stevejay, Apr 8, 2016.

  1. stevejay

    stevejay New Member

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    My new to me 2004 Prius no longer operates the buttons on the right side of the steering wheel, I can live with that.

    Does a failed clock spring assembly now mean the airbag wouldn't deploy if necessary? There's a light for the airbag, and it's NOT on. I was hoping a fuse controlled the electronics from the wheel buttons, apparently it's not that simple.

    My "bargain" is less so now. Apparently I'll need to get a charcoal canister & clockspring replacement. Or not.

    I feel like I'm waiting on the next problem of the week. This said, I like the car, especially the smart A/C
     
    #1 stevejay, Apr 8, 2016
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If there's any chance the airbag won't deploy in an accident, there would be a safety recall for the car.
     
    #2 JC91006, Apr 8, 2016
  3. stevejay

    stevejay New Member

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    Wikipedia:
    "In vehicle steering systems a clock spring or clockspring is a spira,-wound special rotary electrical connector which allows a vehicle's steering wheel to turn while still making an electrical connection between the steering wheel airbag and/or the vehicle's horn and other devices."

    But by definition it is a component of a car's airbag! Still not convinced & I have tried to research it myself. I want to be wrong btw.
     
    #3 stevejay, Apr 8, 2016
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I would worry about the HV battery failing more than the airbag not deploying
     
    #4 JC91006, Apr 8, 2016
  5. stevejay

    stevejay New Member

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    True. Not really worried, just curious.
    The battery is usually green, and charges readily. The display says I'm averaging 46 - 50 mpg, and that's just fantastic!
     
    #5 stevejay, Apr 8, 2016
  6. andrewclaus

    andrewclaus Active Member

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    The clockspring cable has a redundant conductor for the airbag, and they're quite a bit larger than the other control function conductors. There is also a supervisory circuit that checks for open circuit
     
    #6 andrewclaus, Apr 8, 2016
    stevejay likes this.
  7. stevejay

    stevejay New Member

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    Thank you Andrew, this is the information I was curious about. I agree that if the airbag wouldn't deploy due to a failed clock spring, this would be a known issue and a recall would be put in place. At least we would hope so..
     
    #7 stevejay, Apr 9, 2016
  8. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

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    Just get a genuine OEM clockspring replacement to regain the steering wheel buttons, and be done. Don't even considering getting fake clocksprings off of eBay. Reports of the eBay junk failing after a short period of time in terms of steering wheel buttons. Who knows if the fakes will deploy the air bag. Price of fakes are tempting $13-$40. I'm sure your life is worth more than this. Genuine OEM replacement is $210.79, no tax, fee shipping, item #7. 2007 Toyota Prius Parts - Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping

    Yup, the HV Battery should be your greatest concern, esp if it is the original or a previous owner did a module swap. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined, remove the top cover of the HV Battery to read the serial numbers for all 38 modules; the serial numbers should be sequential. If the series is not sequential, one or two out of sequence, someone did a module swap. If the series is completely non-sequential (looks random), you have a refurb/rebuilt HV Pack. If the series is sequential, you have the original HV Pack or a used original pack from a different car (likely from a wreck donor).
     
    #8 exstudent, Apr 9, 2016
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  9. stevejay

    stevejay New Member

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    Thank you, all very interesting and informative.
     
    #9 stevejay, Apr 10, 2016
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