Horn not working?

Tiny
BBKAL
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 187,000 MILES
The airbag light went on, horn stopped working and cruise control doesn't work all happened at the same time.

Looking for a solution to fix.


Thanks
Monday, March 16th, 2009 AT 12:07 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,737 POSTS
Replace the clockspring under the steering wheel. It's a big plastic disc containing a wound up ribbon cable.

In the past, a sliding ring contact was used for the horn button connection. Wires can't be used because they would break from the constant turning of the steering wheel. With the advent of air bags, a sliding contact can not be trusted to make perfect electrical connection in the exact microsecond the airbag must deploy. For this reason, a wound up ribbon cable is used because it makes a solid electrical connection and can withstand the constant turning of the steering wheel.

If you plan on replacing the clockspring yourself, be aware they come with a piece of tape across it that must be torn off. This ensures it was not turned before installation. The steering wheel and tires MUST be straight ahead before installing the new part. It is designed to turn an equal distance in each direction and just a little more. If the steering wheel is off-center when the clockspring is installed, it will either get tight when turning in one direction and the ribbon cable will break instantly, or it will unwind too much in the other direction and fold over on itself. The flexing will cause it to break very soon.

The clockspring will not turn at all until the steering wheel is installed because the wheel releases two lock buttons that hold the unit secured during shipping.

Caradiodoc
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Saturday, March 21st, 2009 AT 4:33 AM
Tiny
JOSEPHMB
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 143,000 MILES
Like another person who asked about this same topic, my horn doesn't work and the airbag light is on on the dash all the time. My local parts store man says the clockspring can cause both of those problems. Have you got any info on the clocksprings contribution here?
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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 3:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
The clockspring sits behind the steering wheel pad and if is faulty it will cause both of these issues. If both the light and horn not working appeared at same time then it is the most likely culprit.
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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 3:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROBIN L LYMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1998 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 223,678 MILES
Hi its robin the fuze I was refering to is number 12 under the dash for bakup lights and what ever lmp is and abs. I do know that my horn dont work to just realisd that last night.
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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 3:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
You should reply to you previous post in order that the person attending to you can follow up and has a history of the question.

I have transferred your question. You can followup from there.
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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 3:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LIMAX
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
Electrical problem
1998 Plymouth Voyager Front Wheel Drive Automatic 86000 miles

I bought the minivan about 4 months ago and last week the "cruise control" and "horn" stopped working and the "airbag" dash light came on all at the sametime. Are they related in the electronics and how can I determine what is wrong?
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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 3:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RPTASIUK
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
The clock spring inside the steering wheel needs replacement. Check for recall notices as most models are covered by a life-time recall.
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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 3:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SQUIRRELLIE2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1997 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,000 MILES
My Horn won't work. The fuse is good, he relay is working (clicking). I can't find the actual sound mechanism (horn/blazer). Can you tell me where it is located or what ele I can check?
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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 3:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,737 POSTS
Thanks for including the observation about the relay clicking. That rules out the fuses and clock spring, ... Two common problems.

The horns are located ahead of the left front tire. First, try swapping the horn relay with a different one. If that doesn't help, measure the voltage on the dark green / red stripe wire in one of the horn connectors. If you find 12 volts there when a helper presses the horn button, measure the voltage on the black wire. If 12 volts is there, the ground wire is open or the terminal is loose on the body. This second voltage test only works because there is a second horn in the circuit. It must not be unplugged for the test to work.

If you find 0 volts on the black wire, both horns are defective and must be replaced.

Caradiodoc
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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 3:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MJCOOLBREEZE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
I have a 1998 grand voyager 128, ooo miles 3.3 engine. For some reason the horn quit working. I check fuse. Ok, please advise
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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 3:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
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Do you have air bag light on
the cruise still work
may be clockspring under the air bag
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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 3:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MJCOOLBREEZE
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Do you have air bag light on
the cruise still work
may be clockspring under the air bag[/quote:1972e18fab]

is the clockspring the flat contact between airbag and steering wheel housing? If so how do I replace?
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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 3:39 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
After removing air bag remove steering wheel nut
using steerig wheel puller remove steering wheel
u can replace the clock spring know

make sur your horn is ok and fuse
good luck
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Friday, September 11th, 2020 AT 3:39 PM (Merged)

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