Auto Airbag System Repair: Airbags and Horn Failure, ford taurus, taurus wagon

Question
I have a 2000 Ford Taurus Wagon.  My horn stopped working and my mechanic said it was caused by airbag failure. In order to fix it the airbag must be replaced.  I've never noticed a light go on for the airbag.  Can this be right?

Answer

Taurus steeing wheel a Hi Susan:

So sorry for the delay.  The email notification must have gotten deleted by mistake.  Once again I apologize.

The horn contacts are inside the airbag module.  They are sold as a complete steering wheel assembly and are not serviceable individually.  The horn circuit is not part of the airbag circuit which is why you did not see an airbag light go on.  They are just both part of the airbag module itself.  I am enclosing a picture of the assembly so you can see the component itself.  The only repair for a failure like that is the replacement of the steering wheel assembly and airbag itself (sorry).  Just make sure that is the problem (and he guarantees it) before you agree to replace it.  There are other components in the horn circuit that could be the cause of the failure as well.  The most common one is the 'clockspring' just under the airbag.  Here is a link to a web page on my company website that will explain that component in detail.
http://www.airbagsolutions.com/docs/1C.pdf

I hope this helps you. once again, I'm sorry for the delay in getting back to you.
Doug