Description & Operation: CLOCKSPRING
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2000 Mercury Sable and 2000 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The clockspring or sliding contact, located on the steering column between steering wheel and combination switch assembly, is a contact and wire assembly used to transfer electrical signals from steering column wiring harness to driver-side air bag module.