I have an '01 Durango with a 5.2l and most of the electrical options. I also live in Phoenix so when it gets hot it gets HOT. When the inside of the truck gets hot I have problems with the turn signals, radio, and lighter going out. It usually happens when I put on the turn signals and I can sometimes get them to come back by smacking the steering wheel at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions (12 and 6 don't work). Once the interior cools down I get them back again. Seems like it is some contact in the column for the turn signals, but with an airbag I am not to sure about just digging in. Any thoughts/suggestions?

 

Dont be scared of the air bag--the wires are very clearly marked, really bright yellow sheathing. If it is yellow-leave it alone, otherwise tear-in.

 

Without trying to drag all of the gruesome details out of you, is it pretty simple to disconnect the bag (connector of some type in the column)?