Chrylser/Dodge vehicles have had/are having problems with something called the clockspring assembly. Failure manifests itself through illumination of the air bag warning lamp.
On 1997 and 1998 models, there is a recall for this failure: NHTSA Campaign ID Number 02V293000.
My 1999 Grand Caravan had this problem at about 40k miles and it cost about $200 COD for the repair. Last January, I filed a report on my vehcile with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Today they contacted me, asking whether I happened to have the failed part -- I didn't.
If you have this failure and it is not covered by warranty or recall, I urge you to file an incident report at
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. If you happened to still have the failed, old part, be sure to mention that in your report. Hopefully, this issue will become subject to a recall and those who have had to pay to have the part replaced can be reimbursed.Ed P