Horn inoperative; mode button inoperative
 

The horn operation is intermittent. I noticed when the horn doesn't work the mode steering wheel button, and the up down buttons don't work. What is the commonality? The volume and phone buttons work all the time.

Sounds like the infamous clock-spring (spiral cable) failure.

How much is that to get fixed? I was hoping for a loose ground in the steering column.

A quick Ebay search looks like the part is 250 or so. I'm not sure about the labor involved with replacing it. Perhaps some other members who have replaced theirs will chime in.

Just replaced mine.
 

Yes, your spiral cable (clock spring) needs replaced. Local Toyota dealership did mine for just over 5 bills. My out of pocket was 2 bills using an extended warranty that came with my 2006 SC. My ride has 52k miles. You may be able to get this job done for a bit less at an independent shop. If I didn't have the extended warranty, I would have bought the part for about $250 and installed it myself. The Toyota shop that did mine charged about $165 for labor and around $350 for the part.

Do you think my regular shop (experienced mechanic) could do or should I go to a shop that specializes in Toyota/Lexus? If it happens on Toyota's he's probably done it before since there are a lot of Toyotas in central Kentucky.

Yes
 

Oh yes, your guy can do this job no problem. Just check with the shop to see if they want to get the part or if they're OK with you procuring the spiral cable.

Does this problem ever go away with use?

Mine went from garage queen to daily driver. While waiting for the part to come in, the problem has gone away; at least every time I've checked.

I'll keep the part just in case.

No
 

Fix it, because it won't fix itself. :eek2:

Horn inoperative; mode button inoperative
 

I have the same problem, intermittently. How did your problem work out, please?

If you’ve checked the fuses and relay and they’re find, 99.9% of the time it’s the clockspring spiral cable.