Car Horn Troubleshooting
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Car Horn Troubleshooting
So I recently bought an '89 coupe and I noticed the horn doesn't work. I press the button and nothing happens. I don't hear a relay click but maybe i'm deaf. So I continued my troubleshooting but I can't figure out why the horn button don't work. I tried the fuse panel on the passenger side of the car, checked the LCD and Theft fuses and they were still good.
Last night, I checked up on the horns themselves, unplugged the wires and reconnected them. I got back inside the car and once I pulled the key out of the ignition and stepped out, the factory alarm system went off(never happened before) and I didn't know how to disarm. Thankfully it stopped but supposedly when you leave the car, the horns are supposed to toot to let you know the car is armed right? because my vette doesn't.
Last night, I checked up on the horns themselves, unplugged the wires and reconnected them. I got back inside the car and once I pulled the key out of the ignition and stepped out, the factory alarm system went off(never happened before) and I didn't know how to disarm. Thankfully it stopped but supposedly when you leave the car, the horns are supposed to toot to let you know the car is armed right? because my vette doesn't.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
So I recently bought an '89 coupe and I noticed the horn doesn't work. I press the button and nothing happens. I don't hear a relay click but maybe i'm deaf. So I continued my troubleshooting but I can't figure out why the horn button don't work. I tried the fuse panel on the passenger side of the car, checked the LCD and Theft fuses and they were still good.
Last night, I checked up on the horns themselves, unplugged the wires and reconnected them. I got back inside the car and once I pulled the key out of the ignition and stepped out, the factory alarm system went off(never happened before) and I didn't know how to disarm. Thankfully it stopped but supposedly when you leave the car, the horns are supposed to toot to let you know the car is armed right? because my vette doesn't.
Last night, I checked up on the horns themselves, unplugged the wires and reconnected them. I got back inside the car and once I pulled the key out of the ignition and stepped out, the factory alarm system went off(never happened before) and I didn't know how to disarm. Thankfully it stopped but supposedly when you leave the car, the horns are supposed to toot to let you know the car is armed right? because my vette doesn't.
un-plug your Horns run 12V to them Directly. if the horns are working. connect a volt meter on the horn connector. get a Co-partner to press the horn. check for 12V
the plastic twist lock inside the steering wheel gets brittle in age and splits. if so simply drill another half moon hole. to re-lock.
Last edited by THE 383 admiral; Feb 24, 2016 at 04:40 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
I know for sure the horns work. They kept blowing for 5 minutes last night. By any chance, could the relay have broken, fuse have blown, or the membrane in the steering column wear out??
How a far inside the steering column is that plastic piece?
How a far inside the steering column is that plastic piece?
Last edited by MrHappy66; Feb 24, 2016 at 04:45 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
the plastic lock is just behind the wheel
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
PS. touch the red lead to the lock plate.
Last edited by THE 383 admiral; Feb 24, 2016 at 04:57 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 304
From: MOORESVILLE NC
MrHappy66. I have a 88. I pressed the horn button one morning going to work and no sound came out. Horn worked with the alarm. I pulled the steering wheel off and found the big spring that works the telescopic had rust built up on both ends. I sanded both ends to remove the rust and the horn worked. Never would have believed this could happen. The spring has a bend in it for the horn contact.
Last edited by HAD2HAV2; Feb 24, 2016 at 06:57 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,680
Likes: 752
From: NEwhere Ohio
that white plastic connector hAd a slot/notch in it and a turn and twist spring loaded metal contact horn wire connector.
the slot/notch on mine broke and the spring-loaded turn and twist horn wire connector would no longer stay connected. it would pop out.
anyways, that white plastic connector, behind the steering wheel is what you need.
i cant remember (sorry) if its part of the turn signal cancellation cam or what.
they were still available nos when i fixed mine in early 2012
btw. mine is a 93
Last edited by dizwiz24; Feb 27, 2016 at 11:53 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
The part is a horn cancel cam. this one pictured is for a tilt column.
The telescopic colum has a different style horn cancel cam.
http://www.steeringcolumnservices.co...l-cam-tilt.php
Last edited by THE 383 admiral; Feb 27, 2016 at 01:05 PM.
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