4 Wheel Drive/SUVs: airbag indicator light on, steering colum, model jeep

Question
We were driving the jeep about three weeks ago and we made a sharp corner and heard a snap inthe fron steering colum and the airbag light came on and also the cruise control and the horn no longer operate after the noise were heard. checked all the fuses and even removed the airbag unit from the wheel it see if the wire just snapped but everything in in tact under the airbag unit.   Whats next could it be

Answer
Steve,

It sounds like you may have broken a main ground wire, or positive wire inside of the steering column.  You have a couple of options.  You can purchase a repair manual (around $20) for your model Jeep, and try to trace out the problem yourself.  These manuals give step by step instructions on most repairs, along with electrical diagrams, and diagrams of smog controls, such as some of the vacuum lines.  The electrical part of the manual should give you the color codes of all the wiring, so that you can trace out the existing connections.  These manuals can come in handy for future trouble shooting.  They can be purchased at most auto parts stores.  The other option would be to take the Jeep to a reputable automotive electrical shop, and see if they can trace out the problem.

  Carl