Questions and Answers

Chevy Caprice Not Horny Q. Gents, I have a 1991 Chevy Caprice with a horn that won't work. 5.0 liter engine, automatic transmission, A/C, cruise, tilt wheel, air bag and 89,000 miles. It has two horn buttons, (one on each spoke next to the wheel itself). The buttons feel as if they have broken off or came loose when you press them. Like there is nothing beneath the cover.

The first button stopped working several years ago, and the second about six months ago. The car recently failed our State Inspection because of the horn, otherwise I wouldn't worry about it. I see there are four TORX head screws in the back of the wheel that probably hold the cover on.

What I'm concerned about is the air bag. I've worked my own vehicles for years and I'm a Journeyman Tradesmen, so I am not afraid to tackle just about anything. I'm quit sure this is probably a simple fix.

Maybe the contacts broke off or became disconnected somehow? I'm told by a local mechanic that the battery should be disconnected for at least 24 hours before working on this because of a capacitor in the circuit for the air bag that needs to discharge itself. Is this correct? What else do I need to know? I'd appreciate any feedback?

Thanks!
John

A. There is a yellow harness at the bottom of column. If you disconnect it you will dis-able the airbag and SHOULD be okay. After removing the air bag, lay it bag side up away from where you are working. You may need a new switch and harness assembly or it could have a broken turn signal cancel cam where the switch harness plugs in.