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E-150 cruise control & horn don't operate


DrRadar
12-31-2005, 04:34 PM
The horn and cruise control recently stopped working on an E-150 Club Wagon. Both these functions are controlled by switches on the steering wheel, so I suspect a connection/switch problem in the steering wheel or column.

I disconnected the "steering column assembly" connector at the base of the steering column. Among other signals, this connector contains the "horn switch to horn relay" signal and the "speed control on-off switch to amplifier" signals as well as a ground. Jumpering between the horn signal and ground (on the "engine" side connector) caused the horn to sound. This supports the theory that there's a switch problem in the steering wheel.

I now suspect a bad ground connection because that is common to the horn and cruise control. It could be a worn brush for a rotating connection. The shop manual does not make clear (to me) how to remove those switches and check the brushes.

Has anyone disassembled the steering wheel and column? How much stuff do I need to remove to get to the switches and brushes?

Lloyd

ModMech
12-31-2005, 05:53 PM
Lloyd,

I have had all FoMoCo steeing columns apart, and would be more than happy to help, but I need to know what year van you have and if it has an AirBag (I suspect that it does).

MT-2500
12-31-2005, 06:10 PM
Be carefull what you are jumping.
Air bags????
Unless you are trained to work on them it is better to let someone that is do it.
They can kill/injure you in a split second or save your life when you need them.
They are just like a loaded shotgun shell. They can blow in a split second.
So be careful out there.
MT :lol2:

DrRadar
12-31-2005, 06:22 PM
It's a '94 and it does have an airbag. Thanks.

DrRadar
12-31-2005, 06:42 PM
MT - thanks for your concern. According to the shop manual, disconnecting the positive battery cable and waiting for a minimum of one minute will remove power from the air bag igniter and discharge the air bag backup power (probably a cap bank). I'll wait much longer than one minute. The shop manual also recommends certain handling of a removed air bag, such as carrying in a fashion that it would inflate away from oneself in case of accidental deployment.

MT-2500
12-31-2005, 06:55 PM
Over night would be better on the battery disconnect.
Some say after disconnecting the cables touch them together.
They can hold a charge a long time just like a condenser.
Also get them unpluged as the shop manual says before going any farther.
And always be carefull with them.
Good Luck MT

ModMech
12-31-2005, 09:24 PM
The horn and cruise control recently stopped working on an E-150 Club Wagon. Both these functions are controlled by switches on the steering wheel, so I suspect a connection/switch problem in the steering wheel or column.

I disconnected the "steering column assembly" connector at the base of the steering column. Among other signals, this connector contains the "horn switch to horn relay" signal and the "speed control on-off switch to amplifier" signals as well as a ground. Jumpering between the horn signal and ground (on the "engine" side connector) caused the horn to sound. This supports the theory that there's a switch problem in the steering wheel.

I now suspect a bad ground connection because that is common to the horn and cruise control. It could be a worn brush for a rotating connection. The shop manual does not make clear (to me) how to remove those switches and check the brushes.

Has anyone disassembled the steering wheel and column? How much stuff do I need to remove to get to the switches and brushes?

Lloyd

Lloyd,

Based on what you have checked, my *guess* would be that the "clock spring" under the steering wheel is worn out.

To replace it, you MUST disable the SRS system (disconnect battery for an hour or so), and then remove the steering wheel (fairly easy, but requires a puller). Be SURE the steering wheel is both STRAIGHT AHEAD and marked to the column cover (indexed with tape etc) before removal.

With the steering wheel off, you can remove the clock-spring, and replace it with a new one. The clock-spring needs to be centered (if the pin is missing from the assembly when you remove it from the box) - just follow the instructions with the unit.

Then install the steering wheel, properly Tq the retaining nut and install the safety clip on the shaft.

You can, and probabally should verify this diagnosis before you buy a new clock-spring by removing the SRS module, and checking the wires under it to see if you can get the horn to work from there. If not, there is a 95% chance the clock-sping is the problem.

DrRadar
01-01-2006, 02:55 PM
Thanks for the instructions. Sounds managable. However, I want to be able to recognize the "clockspring" when I see it, but my shop manual does not identify a part called "clock spring."

Is "clock spring" the same as "air bag sliding contact assembly"?

DrRadar
01-04-2006, 08:27 PM
Replacing the clockspring (aka, air bag sliding contact assembly) fixed the horn, cruise, and air bag code problems.

Thanks for the help.

Lloyd

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