Cruise control and horn defunct

[theman1990]

So I picked up my car yesterday, and they worked on the test drive.
As soon as I started the drive back to TX, nothin. This happened after I adjusted the wheel out and down a little for the drive. I did a basic looksee to see if there was anything hangin out (wire wise) and checked all fuses (found none for C/C, but horn doesn't blow but brake lights work, and are on same fuse).

Anyone ever had this issue, and how to fix it? Thanks in advance!!

 

[pacacu]

cable reel in the steering column, mine died twice in 4 years ..good luck.

 

[theman1990]

Any idea how to fix? Is this a DIY thing?

 

[pacacu]

yes, but you will need to order the part. the fix will take 30 mins.. max...then re-set the computer just to be safe.

 

[theman1990]

Any suggestions? Where is it located? How much?

 

[scorp965]

Look for a yellow connector under the dash, make sure nothing is loose, and nothing has been cut/soldered/toyed with... with aftermarket steering wheels this connector is often spliced into, so this could be the cause of your issue.

If the problem lies with the cable reel itself it's mounted between your steering wheel and the base, it's somewhat of a pain to access, as you must remove the airbag and wheel to get at it - there are many write ups involving the install of an aftermarket wheel, but basically 3 screws to remove the airbag, then one nut to remove the steering wheel - cable reel is behind it. I would try to find this part used, from someone who has installed an aftermarket steering wheel into the car if this is indeed the source of your issue... I imagine dealer cost would be quite large.

good luck.

 

[theman1990]

Yah, it's a factory wheel..... Hmm.... the wheel stil MOVES, does that mean anything (telescopes etc).

 

[scorp965]

It's a tilt wheel, there should be a clamp on the bottom to prevent it from moving, but AFAIK this doesn't affect the cable reel, unless somehow it's snapped, or perhaps the connector has worked its way loose.

Basically your wheel has the horn, cruise control set, and cruise control resume on it - the horn turns, so these cannot be straight wires, otherwise they would snap. There is a device that plugs into your steering wheel, and plugs into your car, that allows these connections to swivel, this device is called the cable reel - it lets out slack when your wheel turns, and 'reels' it in when your wheel turns the other way. The connector between the reel and car is yellow and under your dash, there are additional connections underneath your airbag. Check the easy connector, under the dash, first - you can get at this by removing 2 phillips screws. If this seems fine and unmolested take off the airbag (3 screws, hidden under covers) and inspect the wiring there - check for continuity between the connectors to ensure your cable reel is working. The fact that all of the items managed by the cable reel have failed points to it being the cause.