00 windstar horn stuck

[kb2syd]

The horn on my 2000 windstar is stuck on. Mechanic says it needs a new horn switch, which is part of the air bag assembly. Quoted a price of $700 to replace. Sounds like a lot of money for a switch. Are there any other alternatives?

Thanks,
Kelly

[beater95]

call other shops and see what they say.

[kb2syd]

I talked to a bunch of shops. All said the same. Finally convinced someone to sell me a used one for $150. My mechanic will install it. Hope it works.

Don't be afraid to try to talk the vendors down some in price.

[RickMN]

Those shops are probably right. But before you plunk down your money, check on the horn relay to make sure it's not stuck. The part the shops are talking about is called the clock spring. Its a retractable reel of flat wire ribbon that connects to the air bag and horn switch. It uncoils when you turn the wheel one direction and rewinds in the other direction. If the wire start to fray, it shorts out and you get contant horn. First talk to a Ford dealer and see if there is a goodwill policy from Ford on this.

[kb2syd]

I've checked with the local dealers, and several online dealers. All said the same thing. Sorry, it's the airbag module. $700 please. I could find no one at a dealer even willing to discuss anything like a "goodwill" policy. They wanted their $700 plus installation.

I picked up the replacement from the Junkyard over the weekend. It was a complete steering wheel assembly, including airbag. Hope it works.