1000$ to fix my horn?

[HunterQc]

Hi!

I brought my 4Runner 2010 to a Toyota dealer yesterday because my horn stop working few weeks ago. Last week I did some troubleshooting and the horn worked with the panic button on the key, the relay was good, etc. But nothing when I press the steering wheel.

The dealer called me back and told me the problem was the “serpentine” and it’s 1050$ (canadian dollars) to change it. Not sure exactly what is the serpentine but I can’t believe I will have to pay over 1K to fix my horn. Tell me please there is another solution?

Can I remove the serpentine and fix the broken part myself?

There was a recall on the airbag last year, I’m wandering if they broke something when they changed it..

 

[[email protected]]

I just wired my horn to a switch.

 

[kenwilliams0803]

My guess is that their description of "serpentine" is referring to a clock spring. Similar to how Nissan calls it a "spiral wire". But it's really just the clock spring.

I have changed them before but they were all on Jeeps. Not 100% sure how difficult it is on a T4R but I'm sure its doable. There are a bunch of precautions to take because of the airbag. Don't want that thing going off in your face.

 

[Friggin Idiot]

This is only $500....

 

[Charlievee]

I would say "clock spring"

Here's a thread with some info, but no follow up.
Clock Spring and Airbag

About 500.00 from the dealer for the part. Not sure about install fee, the non toyota ones i did replace didn't take that long. My 18 takes about 10 minutes to pull the airbag and controls.

 

[acer0611]

Had this happen to me about a year ago. Mine would sometimes work if i turned the steering wheel. Your issue is almost definitely the clock spring. I bought an aftermarket one on ebay for roughly $40 USD and swapped it out my self. Not to difficult but definitely weird seeing your car without a steering wheel for a bit. Follow the instructions on this video even though its on a tocoma.

YouTube

 

[HunterQc]

Had this happen to me about a year ago. Mine would sometimes work if i turned the steering wheel. Your issue is almost definitely the clock spring. I bought an aftermarket one on ebay for roughly $40 USD and swapped it out my self. Not to difficult but definitely weird seeing your car without a steering wheel for a bit. Follow the instructions on this video even though its on a tocoma.

YouTube

Hi! I tried to turn the steering wheel and hit the horn and I heard the horn! It definitely the clock spring! Thank you for your help! I will order the part on ebay.

 

[HunterQc]

Should I buy an OEM part or aftermarket is fine?

 

[zonzin]

Should I buy an OEM part or aftermarket is fine?

For what that does re the airbag, OEM only IMHO.


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