So I have trolled every post I can find relating to horn issues on a 4.7 2001 Durango and I can't find an exact cause. The horn will not operate from the steering wheel, but still works from the alarm FOB. There are no blown fuses and I have replaced the relays. Because the steering wheel side radio controls don't work I am tending to think that it isa clockspring issue. However, my airbag light is not flashing and the cruise control buttons work. I also do not hear any clicking sounds when I turn the steering wheel. So some signs point to the clockspring and some don't. Before I rip open my steering column I want to make sure the clock spring is the probable cause. Also, if I do take out the airbag and get at the clock spring, how do I know if it is faulty?

Thanks,
Tom

 

Treetop,

welcome to the forums. You will need to replace the clock spring on the steering wheels. Same thing happen to me and the clock spring fixed all the controls on the steering wheel.

 

I had the same exact problem with my 2001 4.7L. I had the clock spring replaced and the problem was resolved. I did not attempt the repair myself, as the clock spring is located under the air bag.

When the clock spring failed, it progressed through a series of faults until everything in the steering wheel did not work/respond.

The part cost me about $60 before labor.

 

Any idea on how difficult replacing the clockspring is to do yourself? I am not the most experienced mechanic, but I am mechanically inclined and I want to take a more active role in maintance and repair of my truck.

Thanks for the previous quick responses.

 

It involves the disassembly of the steering wheel and the removal of the airbag - of which I did not even want to mess with. I let my shop handle the getting the part and letting an experienced technician do the repair. I wanted to do the repair myself too, but I just found it to be too risky to attempt on my own.

 

I think you may need to take this to a pro to do it for you. The steering wheel has lots of components on it such as the airbag and radio controls, plus you have to make sure the steering wheel is aligned properly when you put it back on. Tricky stuff that usually involves a seasonally experienced mechanic. I think the clock spring itself is fairly cheap but labor will cost ya,.