Steering wheel touch pads, and horn don't work

Have a 1997 Lincoln Town Car Sigrature series with 145000 miles. The problem is that the touch pads on the steering wheel don't work. All fuses seem ok. The problem started with the horn not working and then the touch pads went out. Pads include cruise control, radio controls, fan speeds, etc. Dealer said it was in the steering wheel mech. Has anyone experienced this problem..i'd like to fix it myself if its possible. Thanks jay