help no horn

rob and karen · Post by **rob and karen** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:18 am

hi all was wondering if someone knew a fix for my problem , my horn has stopped working if i live feed the horn itself it works , have looked under the stering wheel cover where the horn switches are and there is a coiled ribbon cable going onto a multi conector could this be my problem ?? broken wire possibly any info would be brill as mot due soon and need it fixed
cheers rob

Veg_Ian · Post by **Veg_Ian** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:35 am

Sounds like you are going down the right track. I assume you've checked the fuse. You need to trace the live feed right back from the horn to the switches to see where there's a break, short or bad connection. A circuit tester would be most helpful.

Colin Lambert · Post by **Colin Lambert** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 11:42 am

Don't panic.
I fitted an extra horn on mine and it is very easy to wire a completely independent tooter. (but you have to use a dash mounted, spring loaded toggle switch.)
If you hit a dead end with your repair let me know (E-mail better than PM) and I will lead you through the process.
While you're at it invest in a decent pair of Fiamma wind tones and get rid of that ghastly 'PARP PARP thing!!

mick · Post by **mick** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 12:17 pm

Hi. I had the same problem, and would really recommend you check that ribbon carefully. If you have a driver's airbag, the ribbon also sends the signal for that.

The ribbon does fracture over time (according to Bell's garage, it is a fairly common problem). My airbag light came on one day, and stayed on. Instead of investigating, I removed the warning bulb ! Anyway, 2 or 3 weeks later the horn packed up, and I eventually discovered the dodgy colied ribbon under the steering wheel. Bell's garage were able to source a 2nd hand coil (?60 !, but a very helpful fellow and a quick delivery), and I fitted it and all problems vanished. I have now replaced the warning bulb for the airbag, and it goes out when it should.

If you do replace the wired coil, follow the instructions on the cassette to the letter. You need to partially wind it before fitment, so that it has the requisite slack for left and right turnings of the steering wheel.

Definitely worth fixing properly, and then take Colin's advice and fit some decent horns

Post by **Simon Jones** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 9:48 pm

Colin, may I take the opportunity to out-pedant you?! You're getting your Fiamma's & Fiamm's all mixed up again! Honking your awning will draw attention for the wrong reason.

http://www.fiammamerica.com/HornsIntro.asp

All in good humour

Vic & Tez · Post by **Vic & Tez** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:16 pm

Hi all,

I wonder if anyone out there can offer any help to our simular problem. We have just discovered our horn doesn't work too.

Horn - tested - ok
Relay - I believe is ok as there is a live feed to it and from it
Fuse - I don't know which fuse is in charge of the horn can anyone help? I have tried to access the members area to get the diagram and can't get in! (no, my membership hasn't run out) Is the password still 'as of email from Ian on 23/8'?

I've emailed Ian but not yet had a reply and the MOT is pending.

Thanks
Vicki

mick · Post by **mick** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:26 pm

Its no' 5 fuse (reading from the top left under drver's dash area. ) It's 10 amp, but also read my previous note on this thread.

Vic & Tez · Post by **Vic & Tez** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:34 pm

Thanks Mick, gonna send the hubby out there right now to get to work!!

Vic & Tez · Post by **Vic & Tez** » Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:57 pm

Oh dear, swapped the fuses over to test and found that it's OK, unfortunatly

. Think we'll have to check out the ribbon I guess? Would this still possiblly be at fault if there is the clicking noise when you press the horn?

mick · Post by **mick** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 12:12 am

No - very unlikely

Veg_Ian · Post by **Veg_Ian** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 7:23 am

Check for a bad earth to the horn.

Post by **Simon Jones** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 9:09 am

Is the clicking coming from the switch or from under the bonnet? If it is from the front, then it sounds like a relay clicking, but I know mine did not have a relay fitted. I have a free horn going if that is of any use to you (just the cost of postage)

Vic & Tez · Post by **Vic & Tez** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:28 pm

Have checked for a bad earth and the earth is OK as the horn does work if we bypass the relay but the relay is working fine (this is by NOT pressing the button on the steering wheel)

Simon - Thanks for the offer of a replacement horn (very kind of you

) but have tested the horn and it does work OK.

Any other thoughts at all??!!

Thanks
Vicki

mick · Post by **mick** » Mon Sep 18, 2006 11:57 pm

Well - not much left to check really ! But just hearing the relay click doesn't necessarily mean its doing its job. It has to click, and that closes 2 contact springs together which then makes the connection.

I would check

1 the horn button is operating the relay

2 the relay is sending 12v to the horn

If 2 isn't happening (which it obviously isn't), then the relay contacts are kaput, or the connection from the relay to the horn is kaput.

rob and karen · Post by **rob and karen** » Sat Oct 14, 2006 8:53 pm

Colin Lambert wrote:Don't panic.
I fitted an extra horn on mine and it is very easy to wire a completely independent tooter. (but you have to use a dash mounted, spring loaded toggle switch.)
If you hit a dead end with your repair let me know (E-mail better than PM) and I will lead you through the process.
While you're at it invest in a decent pair of Fiamma wind tones and get rid of that ghastly 'PARP PARP thing!!

thanks for the pics colin i have fitted a single fiamm horn lol now , but i couldnt get a spring loaded toggle switch , onlt a normal up and down one will this be ok for the mot ?went into halfords asked for a spring loaded toggle switch and they looked at me as if i was stupid
cheers rob