Horn Switch - Dodge Dakota Sport 2001 Service Manual

AN

HORN SWITCH

DESCRIPTION
A center-blow, normally open, resistive membrane-
type horn switch is secured with heat stakes to the
back side of the driver side airbag module trim cover
in the center of the steering wheel (Fig. 3) . The
switch consists of two plastic membranes, one that is
flat and one that is slightly convex. These two mem-
branes are secured to each other around the perime-
ter. Inside the switch, the centers of the facing
surfaces of these membranes each has a grid made
with an electrically conductive material applied to it.
One of the grids is connected to a circuit that pro-
vides it with continuity to ground at all times. The
grid of the other membrane is connected to the horn
relay control circuit.
Fig. 3 Driver Side Airbag Module Trim Cover and
Horn Switch
1 - RETAINER SLOTS
2 - RETAINER SLOTS
3 - HORN SWITCH
4 - LOCKING BLOCKS
The steering wheel and steering column must be
properly grounded in order for the horn switch to
function properly. The horn switch is only serviced as
a part of the driver side airbag module trim cover. If
the horn switch is damaged or faulty, or if the driver
side airbag is deployed, the driver side airbag module
trim cover and horn switch must be replaced as a
unit.
OPERATION
When the center area of the driver side airbag trim
cover is depressed, the electrically conductive grids
on the facing surfaces of the horn switch membranes
contact each other, closing the switch circuit. The
completed horn switch circuit provides a ground for
the control coil side of the horn relay, which activates
the relay. When the horn switch is released, the
resistive tension of the convex membrane separates
the two electrically conductive grids and opens the
switch circuit.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - HORN SWITCH
For complete circuit diagrams, refer to the appro-
priate wiring information. The wiring information
includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector
repair procedures, details of wire harness routing
and retention, connector pin-out information and
location views for the various wire harness connec-
tors, splices and grounds.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, REFER TO
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
from the instrument panel.
(2) Check for continuity between the metal steer-
ing column jacket and a good ground. There should
be continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, (Refer to
19 - STEERING/COLUMN - INSTALLATION) for
proper installation of the steering column.
(3) Remove the driver side airbag module from the
steering wheel. Disconnect the horn switch wire har-
ness connectors from the driver side airbag module.
(4) Remove the horn relay from the Junction Block
(JB). Check for continuity between the steering col-
umn half of the horn switch feed wire harness con-
nector and a good ground. There should be no
continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the
shorted horn relay control circuit to the horn relay in
the JB as required.
(5) Check for continuity between the steering col-
umn half of the horn switch feed wire harness con-
nector and the horn relay control circuit cavity for
the horn relay in the JB. There should be continuity.
If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the open horn
relay control circuit to the horn relay in the JB as
required.
HORN
ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS
8H - 5