newbie questions

[sluggo996]

Hello all, I just joined the forum. I have a 97 Grand Caravan SE I bought used, it just turned over 100k. The horn does not work, and I have replaced the fuse and relay. A mechanic one told me that there is a spring mechanism in the steering wheel/column that may be broken, and that would also explain why the air bag light is always lit. He said to get at the spring was a 2 hour job, and didn't want to charge me for what may not fix the problem. I have a Haynes manual on the way, but thought I'd ask the wise men on this forum first. Thanks in advance
vince
PS there really is NO easy way to replace the rear spark plug wires?? egad

[GTP Dad]

The dealer is right about the spring and that is also why the air bag light is on. I would check recalls.gov to see if there is a recall on that particular part on this van. I read somewhere that there was a recall on that particular spring and you may be able to get Chrysler to pay for it. Also, you should get it repaired for safety reasons since your air bag will not deploy if you are in an accident.

As far as the rear plugs go you are right, there is no easy way to replace them. You have three options, remove the phlenum and replace them from the top, put it on a lift and replace them from underneath or hire someone else to do it for you. I had my 97 replaced by a garage it cost me $62 and was worth every penny.

[sluggo996]

Thanks GTP Dad. I was actually able to replace all the wires (not the plugs) except #1 by using a wire coat hanger & zip ties to guide them through! #1 I can't even get my hand in there, maybe my wife will help? I think if I have to do the plugs, I will take your advice. Thanks also for the info on the spring, I was not aware that the airbag would not work. I'm going to check that out now.
vince

[B33p3r]

Make sure you follow the directions when working with the air bag. You don't want to set it off.

[RESTREC]

My 88 Caravan haynes manual also says the back spark plugs have to be accessed from underneath. It is pure BS. After a little thought what I did was to take out the air filter compartment, which took me 8 minutes and right there in front of your eyes you can see and access the back spark plugs. It's probably the same for other models but will not put my hands in the fire for it !!