Chrysler Repair: 01 300M Cruise Control/turn signal flakey, fuse blows, clock spring

Question
Hi there, 2001 300M - the cruise control does not work and the right signal light does not work. When I move the steering wheel up and down I can get the right hand signal to work at a certein position but not at all positions. I think it is related to the steering column. I there a diagnostic that can source the problem? Is this common? My worst fear is having to replace the cable in the steering column. Nay help will be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Dave,
The cruise control is powered by fuse #1 in the box located behind the left end-cap of the dash, so check it for a subtle crack or for being blown. If that is working then the clock spring in the steering column may have fatigued and 'opened'. If you need more info please let me know if your steering wheel has a single cruise/horn control switch or two such cruise only switches (one on each side).
The turn signal issue might best be evaluated by setting the switch and get it going, then move the steering column up and down and observe the 'action' and also try flexing the wires on the lower column to see if you can start/stop the action repeatably. That would help to differentiate the harness from the switch itself as the problem. The wire from the switch to the junction block (behind that same fuse box in the dash) is tan in color and connects to pin 14 of the white plug which is where you could verify the connection from it to the switch in the column. It may be that the wire is breaking down inside the insulation or it is poorly connected at either end. The fact that no fuse blows suggests it is not a break in the wire's insulation.
Roland
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