Dakota R/T 2WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (1998)
Horn Switch: Testing and Inspection
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, REFER TO AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELTS/AIR BAGS BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE.
FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE
PERSONAL INJURY.
1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the steering column opening cover and knee blocker from the instrument panel.
2. Check for continuity between the metal steering column jacket and a good ground. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK,
refer to Steering and Suspension/Steering/Steering Column in Steering for the proper installation of the steering column mounting hardware.
3. Remove the driver side airbag module from the steering wheel. Unplug the horn switch wire harness connectors from the airbag module.
4. Unplug the horn relay from the Power Distribution Center (PDC). Check for continuity between the steering column half of the horn switch feed
wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be no continuity If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the short circuit as required.
5. Check for continuity between the steering column half of the horn switch feed wire harness connector and the horn relay control circuit cavity for
the horn relay in the PDC. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.
6. Check for continuity between the horn switch feed wire and the horn switch ground wire on the airbag module. There should be no continuity If
OK, go to Step 7. If not OK, replace the faulty horn switch.
7. Depress the center of the airbag module trim cover and check for continuity between the horn switch feed wire and the horn switch ground wire on
the airbag module. There should now be continuity If not OK, replace the faulty horn switch.