Horn does not work. Fuse OK. Connections under hood appear OK, 1 wire frayed, but connected. Any knowledge of common problems. Any ideas where to start? Any ideas of how to get to steering wheel buttons, without deploying air bag?

 

before going that far, suggest checking for voltage at the horn, and checking for a bad relay.

BTW, often horns do die, or just fail to have a good ground -- so try just loosening and tighttening the bolt holding the horn to the frame -- I've fixed a few cars' horns that way...

 

My horns were bad when I bought the car...Replaced them and no more issues.

 

Where is the horn relay located?

 

would check the 'turn signal canceling cam' under the air bag in the steering wheel. Despite the name it actually activates the horn, it's just a little white plastic 'tower' that breaks easily. Available at Autozone or Eckler's.

Does require CAREFUL work removing the air bag, if you are not ABSOLUTELY SURE of how to do then read up first!

Also you'll need a steering wheel puller.

 

Thanks to all.. I will purchasee the Serv manuals and read up on steeing wheel removals... Thanks..Harry

 

The Buttons are made of a plastic that seems to deteriorate over time. This plus the normal (and abnormal) pressing on the buttons causes a little "nipple" or "post" inside of them to break. This nipple's purpose is to press down on the brass contacts underneath it and complete the circuit. No nipple = no contact = no horn

The horn buttons are available from GM for about $6.95 each (2001 Price). PN 12506007 and 12500608. There are two ways to remove them from the steering wheel.

A. Using a dull thin blade slide it along the hub side of the button feeling carefully for the catch that latches the button to the wheel. There are two on each side-total four, you only have to find and release two on one side of the button.

The top one is about 1/2-3/4' down from the top of the button and the bottom one is about 1/2-3/4" up from the bottom of the button. When you locate each catch, push in (toward the center of the button) gently on it while lifting the button. You have to do this twice-top and bottom on one side. The button should then pop off.
I have mine discretely marked so the catches are easy to find. You may want to do this to them after they are off.

B. The second way means removing the airbag. Disconnect the battery. Pull the fuse controlling the airbag. At the rear of the steering wheel spokes are imbeded two torx screws (size T-27 ). Unscrew these two screws and then GENTLY lift off the airbag. I advise being off to one side of the steering wheel while doing this as an improperly handled airbag can be dangerous. (These things are shipped all over the country without problem but I would rather be cautious). BE SURE THERE IS NO ELECTRICAL POWER AVAILABLE!!!!
After the airbag is removed, the buttons, contacts and wires are easily accessible.