I don't know what "I pressed a wire to the aamp of america panel" means, and you didn't say what circuit you were working in or why, but I can share a couple of details. The insane engineers, ... Ford engineers this time, saw fit to involve two computers in blowing the horn, at least on their cars in the early 2000s, so it's likely they're doing the same stupidity on their trucks. We used to press the horn button, that activated a ten-dollar relay, and the horns blew. Apparently that doesn't work anymore. Now when you press the horn button, the specific voltage is interpreted by the most "intelligent", (ridiculously over-complicated) computer on the vehicle, which is the instrument cluster. The cluster sends a digital signal to the "FEM", the Front Electronic Module, that does all the stuff we used to do without needing a computer. The FEM interprets the digital signal and turns on the horn. Two computers involved in blowing the horn, and the typical repair cost now for a dead horn is around $800.00.
Given the multiple symptoms you have now, I'd start by checking the fuses inside and under the hood. Replace any if they are blown, then disconnect the battery for a couple of minutes. Normally we no longer recommend disconnecting the battery because some manufacturers have seen fit to purposely design some of their computers to lock up requiring a trip or tow to the dealer, but in this case that is already the only other alternative. Most computers do have short circuit protection built in so if a power supply, such as the five volts that runs sensors, is grounded, it will shut down to protect the computer. In the case of Chrysler products, those power supplies are reset by turning the ignition switch off, then back on once the short is fixed. When you short something that is always on even when the ignition switch is off, as you may have done, you would need to disconnect the battery to reset that circuit.
If that doesn't work, your best bet is to take it to the dealer. Their mechanics have the factory training and will solve it faster than anyone else.
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Monday, September 22nd, 2014 AT 9:20 PM
