Volkswagen Arteon Airbag Clock Spring for Sale | Steering Column Spiral Cable Assembly
$129.00
At a Glance
- Condition: New OEM-specification construction
- Availability: Available for all Arteon years
- Shipping: Free shipping to all 50 states via UPS or FedEx Ground, 3 to 7 business days
- Volkswagen Arteon 2019 to current coverage
- MQB platform compatible
- All engine variants (2.0T TSI)
- Drivetrain variants compatible (FWD or 4MOTION AWD)
- Pre-centered for direct installation
- All circuits verified including airbag, horn, controls, heated wheel
- Backed by a 15 day replacement warranty against manufacturing defects
Description
About the Volkswagen Arteon Airbag Clock Spring
The Volkswagen Arteon is VW’s flagship luxury 4-door coupe sedan, launched in the US market for the 2019 model year (Europe 2017-plus) as the replacement for the discontinued VW CC (Comfort Coupe). Built on the MQB (Modulare Querbaukasten) platform shared with the Atlas, Tiguan, Golf MK8, and Audi A3, the Arteon offers fastback coupe styling, premium interior, and the 2.0L TSI turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 268 hp in US trim. The Arteon competes in the entry-luxury segment with the Audi A5 Sportback, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, and Mercedes CLA Coupe.
The Clock Spring Is the Steering Column Section of the Wiring Harness
The clock spring (also called spiral cable or SRS coil) is a safety-critical section of the steering column automotive electrical harness. The clock spring contains a coiled flat ribbon cable inside a plastic housing, with the central hub rotating with the steering wheel while the outer housing remains fixed to the steering column. This design maintains electrical connection between the steering wheel and the vehicle automotive wiring harness throughout the full steering range of motion. The clock spring is the only point in the car electrical harness where the wiring must accommodate continuous rotation, which is why it uses the unique flat ribbon design instead of the standard round-conductor car wire loom construction used elsewhere in the vehicle. Critical circuits carried through the clock spring include: driver airbag deployment signal, horn signal, multifunction steering wheel controls (cruise control, audio, phone, voice command), paddle shifters where equipped, and heated steering wheel where equipped.
Why Arteon Owners Replace the Clock Spring
The most common reasons Arteon owners replace the clock spring are: airbag warning light on the dash (broken airbag deployment circuit triggers an SRS fault code, posing serious safety concern since the airbag would not deploy in a crash), intermittent or completely non-functional horn (broken horn signal wire, often the first symptom), failed multifunction steering wheel controls (cruise control buttons, audio controls, phone controls stop working), heated steering wheel no longer warming (broken heater power circuit), paddle shifter failure on R-Line or trim with paddle shifters, or complete steering wheel function loss in severe cases.
Clock spring cable breaks typically occur after extensive steering rotation cycles, sometimes from a single hard turn that puts excessive stress on already-aged cable, sometimes gradually from normal accumulated wear. The flat ribbon cable inside the clock spring has a finite flex life and eventually develops broken conductors. The clock spring is not field-repairable, so failure means replacement. Our new OEM-specification clock spring saves significant money over dealer pricing. The airbag deployment circuit is the critical safety reason to address clock spring failures promptly rather than postponing service.
OEM Specification vs Generic Aftermarket Clock Spring
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| OEM Specification (this listing) | Designed to factory specification for Arteon MQB platform. Includes all circuits the Arteon requires (airbag, horn, controls, heated wheel, paddle shifters). Pre-centered for direct installation. Tested for continuity across full rotation range. Best safety assurance for the critical airbag circuit. |
| Generic Aftermarket Clock Spring | May fit physically but missing circuits or with incorrect connector pinouts. Risk of incomplete steering wheel function or non-deployment of airbag in crash. Not recommended for the safety-critical airbag application. Cheap clock springs sometimes fail prematurely. |
| Used or Salvaged Clock Spring | Variable condition with unknown remaining life. The flat cable degrades with rotation count, used clock springs may be near end of life. Generally not recommended for safety-critical component when new is available at fair price. |
Things to Confirm Before Ordering
- Year (2019 to current US market, 2017-plus European market)
- Trim (SE, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium R-Line)
- Heated steering wheel equipment (affects which clock spring variant)
- Paddle shifters equipment (affects circuit count)
- Drivetrain (FWD or 4MOTION AWD, generally does not affect clock spring but worth noting)
- Original Volkswagen part number from old clock spring if available (best fit confirmation)
What Ships and What Does Not
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED | The complete clock spring assembly with internal coiled cable, plastic housing, central hub mechanism, electrical connectors, pre-centering position (do not rotate during install), and mounting features. Pre-tested for continuity on all circuits. |
| NOT INCLUDED | Steering wheel (separate part), driver airbag (separate safety component, transfer original or order new), horn pad (typically integrated with airbag, transfer original), multifunction control buttons (integrated with steering wheel, transfer original), mounting hardware (reuse originals or source from VW dealer), SRS reset tool or service. |
| Tools You Need | T30 Torx for steering wheel center bolt, panel pry tool for trim removal, basic hand tools, masking tape for marking centered position before any wheel rotation, VAG-COM/VCDS or VW dealer for SRS reset after install. Always disconnect the battery and wait 10 minutes before any airbag-related work for safety. |
Vehicle Compatibility
The Volkswagen Arteon airbag clock spring is compatible with the following Arteon variants. Confirm year and trim before ordering.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen Arteon SE (2019 to current) | Base trim with 2.0T TSI engine |
| Volkswagen Arteon SE FWD (2019 to 2021) | Front-wheel drive base trim |
| Volkswagen Arteon SEL (2019 to current) | Mid-trim with 2.0T TSI |
| Volkswagen Arteon SEL R-Line (2019 to current) | R-Line sport trim with paddle shifters |
| Volkswagen Arteon SEL Premium R-Line (2019 to current) | Top trim with heated steering wheel and all options |
| Volkswagen Arteon 4MOTION (2019 to current) | All-wheel drive variant of all trim levels |
| Volkswagen Arteon European Markets (2017 to current) | European variants may have minor option differences |
Not compatible with the discontinued VW CC (predecessor, 2009 to 2017) which uses a different clock spring design. Also not directly interchangeable with other MQB-platform vehicles (Atlas, Tiguan, Golf, Jetta) without confirming exact part number, since the Arteon clock spring includes specific Arteon-trim circuits. Always confirm by Volkswagen part number or VIN call for cross-compatibility. Modern Audi A4/A5 share some MQB clock spring components, but verify before ordering.
Important Airbag Safety Procedure
The clock spring carries the driver airbag deployment circuit. Before any work on the steering wheel or clock spring, disconnect the battery negative terminal and wait at least 10 minutes to allow the airbag system capacitor to fully discharge. This prevents accidental airbag deployment during service, which can cause serious injury. After installation, perform an SRS scan tool reset (VAG-COM/VCDS or a VW dealer) to clear any stored airbag fault codes and confirm system readiness. Do not skip this step; an airbag warning light left on the dash indicates the system is not armed and the airbag will not deploy in a crash.
Fitment Assistance
Not sure if this Volkswagen Arteon clock spring fits your car? Call (855) 634-4447 with your year (2019 to current US, 2017-plus Europe), trim level (SE, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium R-Line), heated steering wheel equipment, paddle shifter equipment, and original Volkswagen part number if available. Our team confirms the right clock spring for your specific Arteon configuration before we ship. After installation, plan for an SRS scan tool reset at a VW dealer or independent shop with VAG-COM/VCDS to clear the airbag warning light.
Inspection Workflow
These new OEM-specification Volkswagen Arteon clock springs are inspected before shipping. Quality control includes:
- Continuity tested on all circuits (airbag, horn, controls, heated wheel where applicable)
- Full rotation range tested (3-plus turns lock to lock without continuity loss)
- Pre-centered position verified (do not rotate housing during installation)
- Connector pin condition inspected (no bent or damaged pins)
- Plastic housing integrity confirmed (no cracks)
- Mounting features inspected for proper alignment
- Airbag connector keyed correctly for safety
- External labeling verified for correct part identification
Each clock spring ships pre-centered for direct installation. Critical safety note: do not rotate the clock spring housing during shipping or installation, this can damage the internal cable. Install with the steering wheel and column at the straight-ahead position. After installation, perform an SRS scan tool reset to clear any stored airbag fault codes. The airbag system is safety-critical; follow proper procedures throughout the work.
Why Buy From Part Nests
- New OEM-specification Volkswagen Arteon clock spring at a fraction of dealer cost
- Pre-tested continuity on all circuits of the steering column section of the wiring harness for car
- Pre-centered for direct installation
- All Arteon trims supported (SE, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium R-Line)
- Heated steering wheel variant available where applicable
- Paddle shifter circuit support for R-Line trims
- 2019 to current production coverage
- MQB platform expertise
- Replaces predecessor CC clock spring knowledge
- SRS scan tool reset guidance available
- Free shipping to all 50 states, 3 to 7 business day transit
- 15 day replacement warranty on manufacturing defects
- Call (855) 634-4447 to confirm trim, heated wheel equipment, and paddle shifter circuit requirements before ordering, plus airbag safety procedure questions before installation
Additional information
| Application | Volkswagen Arteon luxury coupe sedan |
|---|---|
| Year Range | 2019 to current (US), 2017+ (Europe) |
| Platform | MQB (Modulare Querbaukasten) |
| Predecessor Vehicle | Volkswagen CC (Comfort Coupe), discontinued 2017 |
| Engine | 2.0L TSI Turbo I4 (268 hp US, 280 hp Europe) |
| Drivetrain | FWD or 4MOTION AWD |
| Part Function | Maintains electrical connection during steering rotation |
| Circuits Carried | Airbag deployment, horn, controls, heated wheel, paddle shifters |
| Construction | Plastic housing with internal coiled flat cable |
| Mounting Location | Steering column under steering wheel |
| Connector Types | OEM Tyco/AMP and VW-specific connectors |
| Trim Variants Supported | SE, SEL, SEL R-Line, SEL Premium R-Line |
| Safety Note | Airbag system component, follow proper safety procedures |
| Programming Required | SRS scan tool reset typically required after install |
| Reset Cost Estimate | $75 to $150 dealer, $50 to $100 independent with VCDS |
| Warranty | 15 day replacement on manufacturing defects |
| Shipping | Free UPS or FedEx Ground to all 50 states |
The clock spring is the section of the steering column wiring that maintains electrical connection between the steering wheel and the vehicle wiring throughout the full steering range of motion. It carries the driver airbag deployment signal, horn, multifunction steering wheel controls (cruise control, audio, phone), paddle shifters where equipped, and heated steering wheel where equipped. The clock spring uses a unique coiled flat ribbon cable design to accommodate the continuous rotation that normal round-conductor wiring cannot handle.
Common signs of clock spring failure include an airbag warning light on the dash (the most safety-critical symptom, indicating the airbag deployment circuit is broken), intermittent or completely non-functional horn (often the first symptom), failed multifunction steering wheel controls, heated steering wheel no longer warming, paddle shifter failure on R-Line trims, or complete steering wheel function loss. If the airbag light is on, address it promptly because the airbag will not deploy in a crash if the warning light is illuminated.
Yes, typically. After installing the new clock spring, the SRS module needs a fault code clear to confirm system readiness. Many auto parts stores offer free OBD-II code reads but not all can clear SRS-specific codes. A VW dealer or independent shop with VAG-COM/VCDS can perform the reset. Some Bluetooth OBD-II tools (OBDeleven, VCDS Lite) can clear SRS codes on VW vehicles with the appropriate license. Plan for the scan tool reset as part of the installation.
Possibly, but not guaranteed. The Arteon shares the MQB platform with the Atlas, Tiguan, Golf, and other Volkswagen vehicles, but the clock spring includes Arteon-trim-specific circuits (heated wheel variants, paddle shifters on R-Line). Cross-platform fitment requires confirming the exact Volkswagen part number. Modern Audi A4/A5 also share some MQB clock spring components. Always call before assuming cross-platform compatibility.
Two rules. First, do not rotate the clock spring housing during shipping or installation; the internal cable will be damaged. The unit ships pre-centered and must stay centered until the steering wheel is bolted on. Second, install with the steering wheel and column at the straight-ahead position. If you rotate either the clock spring or the steering wheel during install, you risk over-stressing the internal cable and producing an immediate or near-term failure of the new unit.
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every new Volkswagen Arteon clock spring purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Manufacturing defects in coiled ribbon cable, plastic housing, or connectors
- Continuity failures on any circuit (airbag, horn, controls, heated wheel)
- Pre-centering position not delivered as documented
- Incorrect part shipped due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from rotating the clock spring housing during installation (this damages the internal cable)
- Damage from installing without battery disconnect and 10-minute capacitor discharge wait
- SRS scan tool reset service (must be arranged at a VW dealer or with VAG-COM/VCDS)
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery at (855) 634-4447.
- OEM Specification Build: Manufactured to factory specification for Arteon MQB
- All Circuits Tested: Airbag, horn, controls, heated wheel verified
- Pre-Centered: Ready for direct installation
- Rotation Range Verified: 3-plus turns lock to lock without continuity loss
- Airbag Connector Keyed: Safety-critical interface verified correct
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Manufacturing defects protected from delivery onward
2 reviews for Volkswagen Arteon Airbag Clock Spring for Sale | Steering Column Spiral Cable Assembly
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Helena B. –
Got an Arteon clock spring for a 2020 SEL R-Line with heated steering wheel. Trim and equipment confirmed up front (heated wheel variant, R-Line paddle shifter circuits). Pre-centered as advertised, all circuits tested. Installed with the battery disconnect / 10-minute wait per their safety note. SRS scan tool reset cleared the airbag warning light immediately.
Devon F. –
Sourced a clock spring for a 2021 Arteon SEL. Year and trim confirmed, paddle shifter circuit support verified. Honest pre-purchase information about the airbag safety procedure and the need for a VAG-COM scan tool reset after install. Pre-centered unit installed clean. Full steering wheel functionality restored including horn and cruise control.