Ok when i first got the van, all the bells and whistles worked. Shortly after using the horn a couple times, my airbag light came on and now my cruise and horn don't work. Is this an internal problem i need to get checked out or can it be as simple as a fuse. Please help. Any info is appreciated!

 

You have a bad clockspring assembly in the steering wheel. You will get a free replacement from Chrysler due to a safety recall providing a lifetime warranty. Yup, it's as black and white as that. The common component for all three of those circuits is the clockspring assembly. This is from the NHTSA website, the folks who investigate and issue recalls.

• Vehicle Make / Model:
  
  Model Year(s):
• CHRYSLER / TOWN AND COUNTRY
  1998-2000
• DODGE / CARAVAN
  1998-2000
• DODGE / GRAND CARAVAN
  1998-2000
• PLYMOUTH / GRAND VOYAGER
  1998-2000
• PLYMOUTH / VOYAGER
  1998-2000

• NHTSA Campaign ID Number:
  
  04V480000

• Summary:
  
  ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY BECOME DISABLED DUE TO A FAILURE OF THE CLOCKSPRING, WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE HUB OF THE STEERING WHEEL.

• Consequence:
  
  THIS CONDITION WILL MANIFEST ITSELF THROUGH ILLUMINATION OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP, AND COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN A DRIVER'S AIR BAG OPEN CIRCUIT, IF THE PART IS NOT REPLACED IN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME.

• Remedy:
  
  DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLY ON ALL COVERED VEHICLES WITH 70,000 MILES OR LESS. FOR THOSE VEHICLES WITH MORE THAN 70,000 MILES, DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL OFFER AN EXTENDED LIFETIME WARRANTY UNDER WHICH IT WILL REPLACE THE CLOCKSPRING AT NO CHARGE IF IT FAILS. DAIMLERCHRYSLER WILL ALSO REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING REPLACED ON THEIR VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 12, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

• Notes:
  
  DAIMLERCHRYSLER RECALL NO. D17. CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

 

Thanks for your help! I don't think i would've figured that out on my own. I noticed a lot of views, but no replies until yours. i definitely need to look into that soon then!

 

Raptor or anyone else for that matter, is it possible it can be a fuse or relay? I called Chrysler and am going to set up the work to replace the part, but will only do it no charge if that's the issue. Short on the funds to have work done if it's not, so i just figured i'd ask. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

 

Looking at a wiring diagram you can check two 10 amp airbag fuses #12 & 13 and 20 amp horn fuse #7 all in the under hood fuse box (PDC). The cruise system doesn't appear to have a fuse. Only the horn uses a relay. It's in the PDC.

 

Thanks for your help. I'll look into it and let you know what i come up with!

 

Well I checked into the fuses just in case. They look fine so looks like i'll be scheduling that dealer visit. Not that i was doubting your answer, i just wanted to play it safe before taking it in. Basically i didn't want to look like an idiot when they go "oh, you just had a blown fuse". Appreciate all the help!

 

Not a problem. A trip to the dealership is like a trip to the dentist for most. What you could tell them is if they find the clockspring is good, stop. I doubt you'll hear that.

 

I made the trip to the dealership Saturday. After 3 long hours in the waiting room, i got the news that it was the clockspring. Replaced it for free, of course, and sent me on my way. Sitting in the waiting room felt like i was waiting for a loved one to come out of surgery. Nonetheless, my van is back to normal. Now on to the next project... shocks and struts...

 

Glad to hear the dentist cooperated.