thank you for that, that actually makes sense and i would have never thought to check that. i will check that tomorrow.

 

That, or not removing the negative battery cable while replacing parts, so the PCM can reset.

 

I discounted that due to "tried clearing computer memory".

 

I finally received my clock spring yesterday. Pulled apart the steering wheel, and removed my old one. There was a tiny strip of copper poking out through the seam, so it definitely was broken.
After holding the old and new side by side, I realized I'd been sent the wrong part. The new clock spring was for a '98+ (had 2 cruise control connectors instead of 1).
Went ahead and put everything back together minus the clock spring, so I can at least get to work while I wait for the proper part.
Aside from the airbag, cruise control, and horn, the only thing that doesn't work without the clock spring is the automatic shutoff on the turn signal.
With the faulty clock spring out, the truck has been running flawlessly!

 

ok so i didnt know to disconnect the battery while replacing parts. to clear the memory i
disconnect the neg cable or both? and wait how long before connecting it again.

also if the coolant temp sensor is bad would disconnecting it drop my idle or would i have to replace it and clear memory to find out?

 

quick update...i pulled the battery cables off for about 20minutes. put on and started truck...idling at roughly 1000rpm. would the MAP sensor have anything to do with this? or is it my computer wigging out on me?