Hey Guys,

My 03 Screw has developed a couple of problems. I noticed the horn and cruise control stopped working around the same time. My airbag light stays on as well. I've checked the fuses under the dash and they're all good. I've also checked the power distribution box under the hood, and all the fuses are good there as well. Anyone have any ideas. Thanks in advance.
PS
I did a search under "horn" and found some dated info about a spring in the steering column (coil spring? power spring?). Since this info was kind of older, I thought I'd see if it could be something else.
Again Thanks!

 

It's a pretty good chance the clockspring (also known as a sliding contact) broke. It's located under the steering wheel, with connectors that go underneath the knee bolster and connect to the body and dash harnesses. Sometimes when they break, if you listen carefully, you can hear pieces of the clockspring rubbing when you turn the steering wheel.

 

Thanks Quintin,

Clockspring......that's what I was trying to say. If I remember right, I think I have heard somthing in the steering column when I turn.
Second question. How do I get to the spring assembly? What I mean is, I don't want to tear up the airbag cover if there is a proper way of getting at it.

Again, thanks in advance for any input.

 

I did a search under clock spring, and found loads of info.
I also found detailed instructions on how to remove and replace the the steering wheel and get to the clock spring.
Hopefully problem solved.

 

I would highly reccomend that the dealer service your air-bag problem. Chances are that it is still under warranty, and this is a safety item!!!

I just had the clock spring changed in my 02 screw. It squeaked from the day it was new. The selling dealer wouldn't fix it, so I went to the next dealer. It was finally changed at 36,000 miles.

Just remember that this a safety item, and it could be your wife, or significant other behind the wheel when it fails.

Best of luck!

P.s do not under any circumstances decide to test the air-bag with a multi meter. It will go off! I learned this at a toyota airbag class years ago.

 

Kc,
I completely agree about not messing with a safety item. But.
It's a Co. car/truck.
It has over 40K, so the warranty has expired.
I'm the only one who drives it, and I don't have the most confidence in a lot of our dealer Tech's.
Now I'm not a mechanic, but I've turned a few wrenches and it turns out this was pretty easy. I looked up some info on our search program here and got a pretty good description how to remove and replace the clock spring.
While I had it apart I walked past our digital camera and had the bright idea to take some pics while I was reinstalling everything. I'll try and post them tomorrow.

I will say if you're not mechanicly inclined, I would leave it to the dealers as Kc mentioned.

Kc, mine also squeaked from the first day. The new one isn't squeaking at all now, and I have my horn, cruise control back. My air bag light has also gone out.

Anyway that's all for now

 

Air bag warranty's are longer then the bumper to bumper. I would call dealer about it

 

Glad you got it fixed! I realize it is not brain surgery. Just a couple of screws to remove the air bag, then pull the wheel...

When I worked as a painter, we used to farm out the airbag stuff to the dealer or an independent air bag guy...just for liability reasons.

Mine too is just out of warranty...I am waiting for another year...maybe a 05 super crew? or the Tundra double cab?

Regards!

 

good to hear it was a simple fix