horn not working properly

[gserve]

I have a 2000 LT. When I press in the center of the steering wheel the horn does not blow if I set the security with the keyless remote The horn will blow. How do I fix this? Thanks

[corning_d3]

check the fuse to rule that out, then post back results.

[scholzee]

I had a similar problem on my 1996, I had to take apart the center of the steering wheel to fix it. There is a brass spring that makes contact with with a circular ring, this allows the steering wheel to spin and make electrical contact from the horn buttons. The spring was compressed and not making contact, i tried to stretch it but it had no spring to it. I replaced it with a spring from inside a pen that retracts, you know that spring in pens we would shoot around in school as kids !!! I would rule the fuse out because you said the horn works with security feature.

[gserve]

How do you take off the center steering wheel without seting off the air bag? Help with this please. Thanks

[scholzee]

It was about a year ago and I can try to duplicate what I did tonight, but I think there were four screws on the back "spokes" of the steering wheel. By spokes I mean the four parts of the center that connect to the circular or ring of the steering wheel. Then the whole air bag center section comes out. I was not too worried about the air bag but to be on the safe side you can pull the air bag fuse and then proceed. My digital camera lost its lcd screen but maybe I can try to snap some pics of what I did. also I am not sure if my 1996 steering wheel is the same as yours but I will try some stuff tonight to get you more info.

[scholzee]

Did not have much time last night and snow is flying here, I felt around and screws are not in the "spokes" but there is a rectangular slot on back of steering wheel that the screws are in. If you spin the wheel 90 degrees so the bowtie log is up/down instead of horizontal you can get at the screw from below the steering column, not sure if its torx or not. Did not feel like crawling under the dash with the snow and slush, but will try again. Can anyone confirm a 2000 steering wheel is similar to a 1996.

[corning_d3]

Best i remember they're different. I think they changed in '98. Remember, some airbags have a battery backup. I'm not sure if yours is one.

[wolfox]

All airbag systems have standby power available for 10-15 minutes. It's best to lift the negative cable and then go do something else on the truck in that time to let the system completely run down. There is a can capacitor inside the airbag safeing unit that is not accessible.

[Rick1488]

Good to know about the 15min backup as I'll be changing my airbag for cosmetic reasons and I had no idea of the backup power.... Thanks!!

[corning_d3]

Yeah, thats right. Boy you don't want an airbag to pop you in the side of the head either...talk about sting