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help with steering/ directional switch

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Old Sep 1, 2002 | 05:45 PM
  #1  
I978vette's Avatar
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From: plano tx
Default help with steering/ directional switch

installed a new directional switch into my 78 to help solve a brake light problem.. now when i finished and connected the battery the horn went off and wouldnt stop.. i have disassempled it all again andhavent been able to solve my problem. any help on why or what will fix this will be much help..

thanks in advance

Phil
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Old Sep 1, 2002 | 06:06 PM
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Default Re: help with steering/ directional switch (I978vette)

You have somehow grounded out the horn contact probably in the column. Did you loose any springs or noticed anything different between the 2 switches? I would go back in and make sure the contact button is loaded in properly. Also check to see if anything is contacting the column itself. perhaps a screw or loose wire.
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Old Sep 1, 2002 | 06:08 PM
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Default Re: help with steering/ directional switch (I978vette)

First thing to do is to look under http://www.corvettefaq.com and look under Steering. There is a paper entitled Steering Wheel and Horn Parts 1976-79 if you have a Std (non-adjustable) Column or the paper 1977-82 if you have a T&T.

If you have a T&T column, did you install the c-clip retainer? It is also an insulator. If it broke into pieces you may have to purchase a new one. They are still available from GM dealers as well as other Corvette suppliers.

Take a look at the other parts, do you remember installing them in the same orientation and order as the drawings?

Do all of your other accessories work correctly? Key buzzer switch, turn signals, etc.

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Old Sep 1, 2002 | 06:16 PM
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Default Re: help with steering/ directional switch (Jim Shea)

When it come to columns ... JIM'S the MAN :yesnod: :yesnod: :cheers:
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Old Sep 1, 2002 | 06:26 PM
  #5  
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I978vette
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From: plano tx
Default Re: help with steering/ directional switch (I978vette)

i did check all springs and they are in place and locked down properly. we began to take apart the column and checked ever step we went to by reconnecting the battery to see if the horn still sounded.. and for the most part it did.. that is until you removed the C clap and the plate and spring loosened up and the horn stopped..
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Old Sep 1, 2002 | 09:07 PM
  #6  
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I978vette
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From: plano tx
Default Re: help with steering/ directional switch (I978vette)

i just finished pulling out the direction switch again and checked all wires and springs activators. they all seem fine.. i looked for loose wires and bolts that may be grounding the horn unit. installed up to the C clap again checked and the horn still sounds.. im very lost on this project car and need as much help as possible. 6 months and its almost done..
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Old Sep 2, 2002 | 12:39 AM
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Default Re: help with steering/ directional switch (I978vette)

If I am reading this correctly, refering to the 1977-1982 strg wheel and horn parts diagram. When you took all the steering wheel horn parts, the telescoping mechanism, the steering wheel, the extension, the hub asm, the lower contact asm, the spring, eyelet, and insulator off the column. The horn still blows.

Only when you remove the plastic c-clip retainer and then remove the c-clip does the horn stop blowing.

When you remove the c-clip, you release the shaft lock. If you just depress the shaft lock against the canceling cam and spring with your fingers, does the horn begin blowing?

If you remove the shaft lock and just depress the canceling cam against the spring does your horn begin blowing?

You never stated what was wrong with your original turn signal switch. Can you put the old switch back in the column and now does the horn begin blowing?

Keep looking at the column and horn parts piece by piece. There is an answer to this problem.

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