* Faulty Clock Spring: This is the most likely culprit. The clock spring is a rotating electrical contact located behind the steering wheel. It provides power and communication to the airbag, horn, and other steering wheel controls. A worn or damaged clock spring can cause intermittent or complete failures in these components, including a malfunctioning airbag system. The horn might still work because the contact for the horn circuit is partially intact, while other circuits (like the airbag system's) are failing.
* Loose Connection: A loose connection somewhere in the airbag system's wiring, particularly near the clock spring or under the dash, could be the issue. A loose ground wire is a common problem.
* Faulty Airbag Control Module (ACM): The ACM is the "brain" of the airbag system. A malfunctioning ACM can trigger the airbag light even if other components are functioning. This is less likely if the horn operates normally.
* Faulty Airbag Sensor (less likely): While less probable because the horn is functioning, a faulty sensor could still contribute to the airbag light remaining on. This is usually accompanied by other issues like non-functional seatbelt tensioners or side airbags.
What to Do:
1. Don't attempt to repair the airbag system yourself. Airbag systems contain potentially lethal components. Incorrect repair can lead to injury or death.
2. Have it professionally diagnosed: Take your Stratus to a qualified mechanic or an automotive electrical specialist. They have the proper tools and expertise to diagnose the problem safely and correctly. They'll likely use an OBD-II scanner to read the airbag system codes to pinpoint the problem.
3. Don't ignore the airbag light: Driving with a malfunctioning airbag system is extremely dangerous. The airbags may not deploy in an accident, leading to severe injury.
The fact that the horn works indicates the problem isn't a completely severed wire in the main circuit, but the shared circuitry likely points to the clock spring as the most likely and easiest-to-fix problem. However, a professional diagnosis is crucial for safety.
