How important is a clock spring and what does it control-do. 2001 Ram Van, cluster gauges keep going dead to working going down the road. I’ve double checked all connections for corrosion and no contact, fuse box too. Been chasing this grimlin for months. No affect on the engine running at all

the clock spring is what connects the airbag and any steering wheel controls to the rest of the vehicle. Not sure how that affected your gauges though.

I just had mine replace by dealer on extended warranty on a 2012 Jeep. They extended the warranty due to airbag being affected. It’s about a $150 part and two hours work (tops)....I almost did it myself but the repair was free.
Replace it...it’s important. Air bag....horn...... and of course every other device that rotates on your wheel.

Thanks, found something on line about that like you said. I’ll keep searching for the culprit.

If you are unsure if it’s the clockspring I would take note of the wheel position while you are driving, and what the electronics are doing...or not doing. The clock spring does not fail ALL devices at once, it’s just a ribbon cable wound like a spring in order to allow two turns of the wheel each way without ripping itself apart.

Will do