Horn packed up.

[Bigcol]

My horn has packed in. Not sure how long it hasn't been going as I rarely use it. Typically, MOT is looming.

I've tested the horn, which works fine. The fuse is ok. I'm not getting any ticking noise from the relays behind the offside headlight though.

I've had a look at the wiring loom/connections in the steering wheel boss (airbag type) and that all looks ok.

The airbag light came on intermittently the other day. I've disconnected the battery for a few ninutes and that seems (up to now) to have done the trick.

Any clues anyone? Thanks.

[scanner]

Mine packs up with boring regularity so I've put in my own wiring to the existing relay direct from the battery via an inline fuse. I think I'll eventually fit my own relay as well.

[bongomadness]

My horn is aftermarket and only honks when it wants to so as my mot is due october i need to sort mine out to. Another thing on my repairs list that seems to be growing by the week

[Bigcol]

Thanks.

Sadly, I don't trust myself trying to run another lead to the relay. Probably torch the Bongo knowing my luck!

[bongomadness]

Probably torch the Bongo knowing my luck!

The way things are going with our van at the moment i really feel like tourching ours!!!

[robdrinky]

Could be as simple as a bad earth,had the same with ours just prior to the MOT in April.
On ours the earth is adjacent to the horn behind the headlight,cleaned the connection and the thread(bolt&hole)been fine since.
Good luck

[Bigcol]

Cheers dudes.

Tried cleaning up the earth connection. I booked it on with Wheelquick in Wigan this morn for service. Mentioned my lack of horn and he reckons his auto-spark should be able to fix it for £25. I'll be a happy camper if he can.

[321Away]

preparing you for bad news, it could be the twisty ribbon cable inside the unit that allows the wheel to spin without binding,(autoelectrician will understand, tell him its the thing that comes twanging out like a clock spring and is not nice to put back!) tell the auto electrician to pick up the cable after the steeringwheel and fit a push button, will still pass an mot like that, replacing the unit is an easy job, but usually quite expensive, worst case.
Julian

[Bigcol]

Cheers Julian.

Knowing my luck, it will be that.

[Bigcol]

Woohoo! Fixed it.

Just for future reference - it was the clock spring (black cassette in-between the steering wheel and column switches).

Managed to source one for a shade over £35 delivered. Some breakers were asking anything up to £80!

Very easy to swap over.

If your horn gives up the ghost and the airbag light flashes away - clock spring might be the way forward.

Thanks to all who pointed me in the right direction.

[Pete & Sue]

Hello Bigcol, have you any pics instruction on changing spring you could pass on to us frightened DIYers, don't like exploding air bags!

[Bigcol]

Hi Pete and Sue.

I will post some pics when I get a mo, but it really is a doddle.

Simply put - remove airbag unit (4 bolts hold it into the steering wheel boss). Unplug the clock spring cassette at both ends. Remove steering wheel. 3 (or was it 4) small screws hold the clock spring cassette in place. Remove it and replace with the replacement - making sure you follow the instructions on the yellow sticker on the front - then put your wheel/airbag unti back and hey presto!