1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Constant Chiming

 Q--I have a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4. Not long ago, the airbag warning light and accompanying chime started to come on intermittently. Now it is almost always on. If the light does go out it will come on when I either go over a bump, stop, or accelerate. I did a little research and found that the clock spring that provides a continuous electrical connection to the steering wheel and column is possibly malfunctioning. I tried pounding on top of the steering column and it caused the light to go out more than once. Am I on the right track?

A--You are definitely on the right track, but we suggest you quit pounding on the wheel. Get the clock spring replaced or your airbag may not deploy if you need it. Leave this job to a professional. Unless you have the right tools and know how to disable the airbag before you start digging into the steering column, you'll get in trouble.