Following an airbag deployment, which component damage can cause the horn to be inoperative?

• A. Damaged clock spring.
• B. Blown fuse.
• C. Defective horn relay.
• D. Damaged steering wheel airbag module.

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the steering wheel clock spring provides the electrical connection for the horn switch to the vehicle’s wiring while the wheel turns. When the airbag deploys, that clock spring is stressed and can be damaged, torn, or misaligned, which interrupts the horn circuit. If the clock spring is damaged, pressing the horn button can’t complete the circuit, so the horn won’t sound. While a blown fuse, a faulty horn relay, or a damaged airbag module could also affect horn operation, they aren’t the direct, common consequence of airbag deployment like clock spring damage is.