Horn works intermittently - bad clock spring?

[SnowDrifter]

That's about it.
Pressing different areas doesn't help it. Nor does trying to rapid-fire it to see if I can dislodge dust or something.
However, I can go from not-working to working by turning the wheel.
'Bout all I can think of. Does this track?
I kind of want to be wrong because these little bastards aren't cheap

 

[Fless]

I'd pull the airbag and make sure the mechanical grounding contact is intact for the horn (which is how it's commanded). The other thing to try is to pull the clockspring connectors apart and make sure they're clean, then reseat them. Maybe use some Deoxit or similar before ultimately condeming the clockspring.

Probably very similar to this:

 

[SnowDrifter]

Nice, I'll give that a go thanks!

 

[MassHoe04]

I know your issue seemed to be affected sometimes when turning the steering wheel.
That does initially point to the areas @Fless mentioned above.

But, you may want to consider buying one of the Field Service Manuals.

They are really good step by step instructions on diagnosing. There is even an entire section to diagnosing horn issues!

Diagnostic checks are geared specifically for Tech 2 scan tool, so having one can be a game changer in following instructions in the FSM. Even if you don't have a Tech 2 yet, the manual can still be a great resource on diagnostics and how to service everything.

The FSM is available from a number of sources. I bought mine on EvilBay pretty cheap as a PDF download.

Having the manual might really help with other diagnostic of issues in the future and would be a great tool to have at the ready.

Fingers crossed, that your horn problem is dirty or loose contacts!

 

[treehan77]

Test the horn relay before pulling apart the steering wheel

 

[SnowDrifter]

Relay tested good. If it poses issue again, I'll just swap it out cause it's easy enough
Popped the air bag off. Connections in there didn't look terrible, but were far from shiny. Sanded them down anyway. Also pulled out that little spring loaded ding ding and did the same. Tossed a ball of solder on the tip.

Will post back in a couple weeks time if it's resolved or not

 

[MassHoe04]

Can you get the horns to sound when the relay contacts are jumpered?

One other frequent source of random horn headaches is the ground contacts for the wires and the horns themselves being grounded to the radiator support. The one to the engine block and the one on the frame under the driver's side A-pillar... Double check those ground points.


P.S.: I wasn't being a wise guy about getting the FSM books!

I was just mentioning that the FSM has a really good decision-tree process for a lot of diagnostic testing (including horn function).

There are tables that have step-by-steps (intended to be using the Tech 2), with Y/N answers guiding you through the process on what to look at next. No substitute for the experts here, but can be a big help in trying to find out what is wrong with various components. That is all. Just mentioning this might be a great tool to have handy.

 

[SnowDrifter]

Yep, horns are good. No corrosion on plugs or wires. Can short pins in the fuse box and they go.
That ground is good too. I actually re-did that one last year evaluating an unrelated concern.

Yeah I have access to that too. Just no tech 2. See if I can skirt by without it again. Keep waiting to be bit in the ass by not having one. That day hasn't come yet
I don't often drive 'er these days. And given the intermittent nature of the issue, it's going to take a couple drive cycles to really parse if it's solved or not. Will do some proper digging if it's still a concern. Or if it's fixed, then I guess we're set to go! I'll be sure to update either way

 

[MassHoe04]

Yep, horns are good. No corrosion on plugs or wires. Can short pins in the fuse box and they go.
That ground is good too. I actually re-did that one last year evaluating an unrelated concern.

Yeah I have access to that too. Just no tech 2. See if I can skirt by without it again. Keep waiting to be bit in the ass by not having one. That day hasn't come yet
I don't often drive 'er these days. And given the intermittent nature of the issue, it's going to take a couple drive cycles to really parse if it's solved or not. Will do some proper digging if it's still a concern. Or if it's fixed, then I guess we're set to go! I'll be sure to update either way

Maybe you broke it!
Let's test this theory... Don't be afraid. We won't judge.


When you drive, would you say you feel more like this guy?

Or...this guy?

 

[SnowDrifter]

Well, boys...

Looks like it's solved! Not sure if it was cleaning the contacts or tossing a bead of solder on the end of the springy dingus-bit. But either way, fixed it fixed!

Fless if you're ever in the Seattle area, I owe ya a drink or 4 for that one

Edit: Aug 31st - yep, it's definitely fix'd!