I DID IT! I started my project to fix my horn at approximately 7:00pm and it's taken me 2 hours to complete start to finish.

Please heed these warnings:

Make sure the T30 Torx tool you're using has clearance. I had to try a few different length bits and handles to get it right. The handle will want to push into the gauge cluster.

In order to reach the bolts, I had to do one side at a time. I pulled one of the battery terminals and reconnected each time I had to turn the car on to turn the wheel. This means turning the wheel 90 degrees to the right or left and coming in from up top.

Handling the airbag is frightening. Mine also had a yellow clip that I did not expect to see. I didn't know how to get it off and I was afraid of breaking it so I left it on and pulled everything else off. The airbag "explosive" and the bag itself will come apart in 2 simple pieces that fit right back together easily.

it's a REAL pain in the *** to REINSTALL the bolts on the horn airbag. To make this easier, shove the bolts into the back first before you put the airbag/horn assembly back on. You can line the unit up and twist the bolts in by hand (while holding the T30 bit). Just a few turns and it'll bite so you can later snug them in tight without worrying of them popping out and having to fish for them.

I also tested the horn and checked for errors before tightening the bolts.

After 8 agonizing months of not having a horn, I now have one and I fixed it myself. I feel so pumped!

This was one awesome DIY project. Now I can honk at people being idiots instead of revving at them.

 

Just another guy that appreciates the guys in this thread for sharing their knowledge with me. Saved me a couple hundred bucks. Thanks again.

Chris

 

Where did you purchase the horn pad??
Thanks

 

Do be sure to disconnect the battery before messing about with the airbag.
http://deadspin.com/5622999/airbag-p...hrough-ceiling

The air bag is monitored to ensure it is in circuit. If your air bag light is staying on it likely means you didn't get the connector back together properly.

 

 

 

Started to work on this project on Sunday. Got one of the torx bolts out (PITA) and the other bolt's head stripped (more of a PITA).

Any thoughts on how to get it out?

Thanks.

 

FYI Horn works GREAT! I probably use it too much but at least now I know how to replace it a 2nd time!

 

As always great write up and thanks.

Mine started to act up yesterday. Did not think anything about it at first but was watching a loud movie and thought the movie sound was weird. I paused it and then heard my horn. Neighbors were not to happy I let it go for several minutes, opps.

Pulled relay to drive for now but this should help.

THANKS!

 

I drove without a horn for over a year. It's amazing how badly you need a horn when you're deprived of one. There were so many soccer moms in their SUVs, blathering away on their cell phones, not a care in the world as they cut me off while merging across 4 lanes of traffic (no blinker of course)...

A loud exhaust can only do so much...

 

This Forum saved me big money on fixing the horn and the flasher unit on my 2000 Corvette.
The fixes worked and were much less expensive than the quote from the dealer by about $1000.
Thanks everyone.
Corvette Centeral had all the parts.
My oil pressure sensor went out too and the Forum suggested I buy intake gaskets too. My mechanic loves the web site provided by Corvette Central to fix the horn button.

 

Is this horn problem with all C5 s or just the 97-2000 years ?

 

Mine was a 2000. I don't know what years are involved. I would suspect all cars with the air bag under the horn button, plastic cover. The part from Corvette Central has a web site on the package which shows the details on the installation. My mechanic liked this a lot.

 

All

 

Interesting. I now have 177K+ miles on mine and no horn problem.

 

We just posted a how-to article on C5 horn repair on CC Tech.

http://tech.corvettecentral.com/2012...rn-switch-fix/

 

Has anyone run into issues with the airbag light staying on?

Good news is my horn works, bad news is that airbag light is on.

What did I do worng

 

Read and post the DTCs

Did you break the clock spring when you had the wheel apart?

Bill

 

One other member posted the same problem.
Do be sure to disconnect the battery before messing about with the airbag.
http://deadspin.com/5622999/airbag-p...hrough-ceiling

The air bag is monitored to ensure it is in circuit. If your air bag light is staying on it likely means you didn't get the connector back together properly.
My mechanic in San Francisco did my horn and followed the video from Corvette Centeral.

 

Yes, I disconnected the battery and waiting 10 mins.

I must have not reconnected the airbag connection correctly.

I'll give it another shot.

Thanks,
Bob