1981 Horn will not stop
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 35
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1981 Horn will not stop
I need help with a horn problem.
When I bought my '81 Corvette, about half a year ago, the seller told me the horn did not work and he thought a previous owner removed them and never put them back. I did not find the horn/horns in the nose where the ''book'' said they should be so I thought he was right and they were missing.
I bought a new high note. low note horn kit, a new relay and a horn button contact retainer spacer kit.
As soon as I put in the new relay the horn went off. The horn button and spacer kit were not in and are not attached at the moment the horn will not stop if the relay is in place.
So I do have horns [I found the high note and low note horns kind of in the side fenders] I now know that later '81 they were put there=a.k.a. as the most impossible place to get to.
The problem now is that with the new relay in place the horn will not stop.
I am a newbie and a total armature when it comes to things like this so I need help. What should I do to find out where the problem is and what is making the horn continually beep.
Thanks in advance
When I bought my '81 Corvette, about half a year ago, the seller told me the horn did not work and he thought a previous owner removed them and never put them back. I did not find the horn/horns in the nose where the ''book'' said they should be so I thought he was right and they were missing.
I bought a new high note. low note horn kit, a new relay and a horn button contact retainer spacer kit.
As soon as I put in the new relay the horn went off. The horn button and spacer kit were not in and are not attached at the moment the horn will not stop if the relay is in place.
So I do have horns [I found the high note and low note horns kind of in the side fenders] I now know that later '81 they were put there=a.k.a. as the most impossible place to get to.
The problem now is that with the new relay in place the horn will not stop.
I am a newbie and a total armature when it comes to things like this so I need help. What should I do to find out where the problem is and what is making the horn continually beep.
Thanks in advance
Last edited by Dinovette11; Apr 9, 2016 at 09:49 AM.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 341
Likes: 29
From: vancouver washington
The wire that runs through the steering column to the horn button is always hot. When you push on the horn button that grounds the circuit. If the wire is touching ground the horn will sound continuously. Your 81 also has a alarm circuit but I think if that system is activated the horn pulses on and off. Get a diagram of the steering column assembly and you will see how the horn is activated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 428
From: Cape Girardeau Missouri
As mentioned, the horn button works by giving the horn relay a path to ground. If you have either a test light or a meter you can easily pin down the general area of the problem.
First check the black wire in the horn relay connector. If using a test light connect on lead to the black wire and the other to positive power. If using a meter just check for continuity between the black wire and ground. Almost certainly the test light will come on or the meter will show continuity--this is the problem.
Presuming you found that wire grounded, look way back on the steering shaft on the right (passenger) side. I can't remember for certain but I believe you have to remove the little panel with the headlight override switch and the A/C duct. You will see a big long connector in a on the side of the steering shaft. It's called a "harmonica connector" so that should give you an idea of what you're looking for. Disconnect the connector and again check for the problem at the black wire in the horn relay connector. The problem will very likely be gone. If so, now check the black wire in the part of the "harmonica" connector that comes out of the steering column. It will likely be grounded--that means that the short to ground is in the steering column. (If the problem was still at the horn relay connector after you disconnected the "harmonica" it means that there is a short in the wiring after the steering column--unlikely.)
Presuming you trace the problem to the steering column, you'll need to get a steering wheel puller set. Most auto parts places loan them for free but you do have to leave a deposit. After you remove a long, very loosely coiled spring you should encounter this. The small end of the spring rests on it. It's an amber colored plastic piece that acts as both an insulator and a retainer for the "snap ring" beneath it. If missing or broken (missing because it broke before and nobody replaced) the horn will sound continually.
First check the black wire in the horn relay connector. If using a test light connect on lead to the black wire and the other to positive power. If using a meter just check for continuity between the black wire and ground. Almost certainly the test light will come on or the meter will show continuity--this is the problem.
Presuming you found that wire grounded, look way back on the steering shaft on the right (passenger) side. I can't remember for certain but I believe you have to remove the little panel with the headlight override switch and the A/C duct. You will see a big long connector in a on the side of the steering shaft. It's called a "harmonica connector" so that should give you an idea of what you're looking for. Disconnect the connector and again check for the problem at the black wire in the horn relay connector. The problem will very likely be gone. If so, now check the black wire in the part of the "harmonica" connector that comes out of the steering column. It will likely be grounded--that means that the short to ground is in the steering column. (If the problem was still at the horn relay connector after you disconnected the "harmonica" it means that there is a short in the wiring after the steering column--unlikely.)
Presuming you trace the problem to the steering column, you'll need to get a steering wheel puller set. Most auto parts places loan them for free but you do have to leave a deposit. After you remove a long, very loosely coiled spring you should encounter this. The small end of the spring rests on it. It's an amber colored plastic piece that acts as both an insulator and a retainer for the "snap ring" beneath it. If missing or broken (missing because it broke before and nobody replaced) the horn will sound continually.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 776
Likes: 98
From: carroll ohio
horn
just fixed my horn(71) a few weeks ago.it's kind of weird how the system works but i had to install a thicker gasket so it would not ground out when you pushed the button and then let up. works great now.
I need help with a horn problem.
When I bought my '81 Corvette, about half a year ago, the seller told me the horn did not work and he thought a previous owner removed them and never put them back. I did not find the horn/horns in the nose where the ''book'' said they should be so I thought he was right and they were missing.
I bought a new high note. low note horn kit, a new relay and a horn button contact retainer spacer kit.
As soon as I put in the new relay the horn went off. The horn button and spacer kit were not in and are not attached at the moment the horn will not stop if the relay is in place.
So I do have horns [I found the high note and low note horns kind of in the side fenders] I now know that later '81 they were put there=a.k.a. as the most impossible place to get to.
The problem now is that with the new relay in place the horn will not stop.
I am a newbie and a total armature when it comes to things like this so I need help. What should I do to find out where the problem is and what is making the horn continually beep.
Thanks in advance
When I bought my '81 Corvette, about half a year ago, the seller told me the horn did not work and he thought a previous owner removed them and never put them back. I did not find the horn/horns in the nose where the ''book'' said they should be so I thought he was right and they were missing.
I bought a new high note. low note horn kit, a new relay and a horn button contact retainer spacer kit.
As soon as I put in the new relay the horn went off. The horn button and spacer kit were not in and are not attached at the moment the horn will not stop if the relay is in place.
So I do have horns [I found the high note and low note horns kind of in the side fenders] I now know that later '81 they were put there=a.k.a. as the most impossible place to get to.
The problem now is that with the new relay in place the horn will not stop.
I am a newbie and a total armature when it comes to things like this so I need help. What should I do to find out where the problem is and what is making the horn continually beep.
Thanks in advance
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 113
From: Saginaw Michigan
As mentioned, the horn button works by giving the horn relay a path to ground. If you have either a test light or a meter you can easily pin down the general area of the problem.
First check the black wire in the horn relay connector. If using a test light connect on lead to the black wire and the other to positive power. If using a meter just check for continuity between the black wire and ground. Almost certainly the test light will come on or the meter will show continuity--this is the problem.
Presuming you found that wire grounded, look way back on the steering shaft on the right (passenger) side. I can't remember for certain but I believe you have to remove the little panel with the headlight override switch and the A/C duct. You will see a big long connector in a on the side of the steering shaft. It's called a "harmonica connector" so that should give you an idea of what you're looking for. Disconnect the connector and again check for the problem at the black wire in the horn relay connector. The problem will very likely be gone. If so, now check the black wire in the part of the "harmonica" connector that comes out of the steering column. It will likely be grounded--that means that the short to ground is in the steering column. (If the problem was still at the horn relay connector after you disconnected the "harmonica" it means that there is a short in the wiring after the steering column--unlikely.)
Presuming you trace the problem to the steering column, you'll need to get a steering wheel puller set. Most auto parts places loan them for free but you do have to leave a deposit. After you remove a long, very loosely coiled spring you should encounter this. The small end of the spring rests on it. It's an amber colored plastic piece that acts as both an insulator and a retainer for the "snap ring" beneath it. If missing or broken (missing because it broke before and nobody replaced) the horn will sound continually.
First check the black wire in the horn relay connector. If using a test light connect on lead to the black wire and the other to positive power. If using a meter just check for continuity between the black wire and ground. Almost certainly the test light will come on or the meter will show continuity--this is the problem.
Presuming you found that wire grounded, look way back on the steering shaft on the right (passenger) side. I can't remember for certain but I believe you have to remove the little panel with the headlight override switch and the A/C duct. You will see a big long connector in a on the side of the steering shaft. It's called a "harmonica connector" so that should give you an idea of what you're looking for. Disconnect the connector and again check for the problem at the black wire in the horn relay connector. The problem will very likely be gone. If so, now check the black wire in the part of the "harmonica" connector that comes out of the steering column. It will likely be grounded--that means that the short to ground is in the steering column. (If the problem was still at the horn relay connector after you disconnected the "harmonica" it means that there is a short in the wiring after the steering column--unlikely.)
Presuming you trace the problem to the steering column, you'll need to get a steering wheel puller set. Most auto parts places loan them for free but you do have to leave a deposit. After you remove a long, very loosely coiled spring you should encounter this. The small end of the spring rests on it. It's an amber colored plastic piece that acts as both an insulator and a retainer for the "snap ring" beneath it. If missing or broken (missing because it broke before and nobody replaced) the horn will sound continually.
Jim
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
As mentioned, the horn button works by giving the horn relay a path to ground. If you have either a test light or a meter you can easily pin down the general area of the problem.
First check the black wire in the horn relay connector. If using a test light connect on lead to the black wire and the other to positive power. If using a meter just check for continuity between the black wire and ground. Almost certainly the test light will come on or the meter will show continuity--this is the problem.
Presuming you found that wire grounded, look way back on the steering shaft on the right (passenger) side. I can't remember for certain but I believe you have to remove the little panel with the headlight override switch and the A/C duct. You will see a big long connector in a on the side of the steering shaft. It's called a "harmonica connector" so that should give you an idea of what you're looking for. Disconnect the connector and again check for the problem at the black wire in the horn relay connector. The problem will very likely be gone. If so, now check the black wire in the part of the "harmonica" connector that comes out of the steering column. It will likely be grounded--that means that the short to ground is in the steering column. (If the problem was still at the horn relay connector after you disconnected the "harmonica" it means that there is a short in the wiring after the steering column--unlikely.)
Presuming you trace the problem to the steering column, you'll need to get a steering wheel puller set. Most auto parts places loan them for free but you do have to leave a deposit. After you remove a long, very loosely coiled spring you should encounter this. The small end of the spring rests on it. It's an amber colored plastic piece that acts as both an insulator and a retainer for the "snap ring" beneath it. If missing or broken (missing because it broke before and nobody replaced) the horn will sound continually.
First check the black wire in the horn relay connector. If using a test light connect on lead to the black wire and the other to positive power. If using a meter just check for continuity between the black wire and ground. Almost certainly the test light will come on or the meter will show continuity--this is the problem.
Presuming you found that wire grounded, look way back on the steering shaft on the right (passenger) side. I can't remember for certain but I believe you have to remove the little panel with the headlight override switch and the A/C duct. You will see a big long connector in a on the side of the steering shaft. It's called a "harmonica connector" so that should give you an idea of what you're looking for. Disconnect the connector and again check for the problem at the black wire in the horn relay connector. The problem will very likely be gone. If so, now check the black wire in the part of the "harmonica" connector that comes out of the steering column. It will likely be grounded--that means that the short to ground is in the steering column. (If the problem was still at the horn relay connector after you disconnected the "harmonica" it means that there is a short in the wiring after the steering column--unlikely.)
Presuming you trace the problem to the steering column, you'll need to get a steering wheel puller set. Most auto parts places loan them for free but you do have to leave a deposit. After you remove a long, very loosely coiled spring you should encounter this. The small end of the spring rests on it. It's an amber colored plastic piece that acts as both an insulator and a retainer for the "snap ring" beneath it. If missing or broken (missing because it broke before and nobody replaced) the horn will sound continually.
At the time that I put the relay in place; which made the horn start (and not stop) the steering wheel and all the horn components from in the steering column (plus other parts from the column) where removed. That makes me think the issue may not be in the steering column ...is that a fair assumption?
Before I attached the relay, when I was taking the parts out of the column, the Horn Contact Plastic Retainer 5 Fingers thing crumbled in my hand so I ordered a new one. I will wait until I get it and see if when I have that in place the problem is solved.
If not then I will look for the black wire behind the "harmonica" and see if the issue is there.
Again thanks for all the great info. and help.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
I had the steering wheel, hub and telescope spring all removed when I put the relay in place and horn started and didn't stop.
Regardless the retainer/insulator crumbled in my hand when I removed it so I ordered a new one and I am waiting to get it
But like I said since non of the steering parts where connected when the horn started I am guessing that is not the problem. If it great and it will be fixed as soon as I get the one and put it in place.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Yeah you are right but that was not my photo that is not my car. Its a photo Jim kindly put up to show me the retainer/insulator part.
