1970 Challenger SE: Horn blows when I turn the steering wheel

[spamtank]

 

Slowly, I'm getting the bugs worked out.  I found that the horn relay was burnt out.  Replaced that, and hooked in a switch under the dash for the horn, while I wait to get the rim blow switch replaced over the winter. 

I did have the steering column apart to replace the ignition switch.  Thought it all went back together okay.

But now the Horn blows when I turn the steering wheel left but not to the right.  This might be a feature to alert folks when I'm getting ready to pass.

Anyone have any ideas before I take everything apart again?

[4Cruizn]

What steering wheel and horn button are you using?   

[MEK-Dangerfield]

That black wire running up to the horn button is grounded. If it has insulation broken off of it, or if it is pinched somewhere and touching metal, that would wake your horn up in what is usually some really embarrassing situation.   

[spamtank]

What steering wheel and horn button are you using?   

The car has a rim blow steering wheel, but the switch was completely trashed.  I dug out all the hardened material and cleaned it up in prep for a new switch.  So for the time being, that spade connector in the crush tube has been disconnected and taped up with electrical tape. 

I installed a momentary contact switch under the dash with a wire running to the horn relay.  This will allow the car to pass inspection.

However, somewhere else in the steering column, there must be a short to ground as MEK-Dangerfield mentioned.   

Thanks for the question.

Rick

[spamtank]

That black wire running up to the horn button is grounded. If it has insulation broken off of it, or if it is pinched somewhere and touching metal, that would wake your horn up in what is usually some really embarrassing situation.   

Thanks MEK-Dangerfield.  I'll focus on the black wire(s).  I kind of assumed this would be the problem.  Just hopeful that someone else out there ran into the exact same problem and might say "check this or that out, that's where mine was shorting".  Once I get it apart again, I'm sure it will be obvious.

Rick

[swede-cuda]

  maybe the horn ring is getting bad,the ring-thing at the bottom of the chrush can from witch the black ground cable origins from.check it out.

[spamtank]

  maybe the horn ring is getting bad,the ring-thing at the bottom of the chrush can from witch the black ground cable origins from.check it out.

That's a good suggestion.  I'll check that out. 

Thanks,

[gatorcuda]

i had the same problem with my 74 cuda and turned out to be a plastic insulater under the crush sleeve, there should be a ring that holds it on, remove it and cut something out of plastic or gasket material and replace it and it should take care of your problem.

[KremlinKrusher]

Sorry to dig up an old topic, but did anyone ever find a solution to this problem? I'm having the same problem with my steering column. The horn blows when I turns the steering wheel. A mechanic thinks it is the brass contact on the crush can of the steering column.

Thanks,
Kremlin K.

[spamtank]

Sorry to dig up an old topic, but did anyone ever find a solution to this problem? I'm having the same problem with my steering column. The horn blows when I turns the steering wheel. A mechanic thinks it is the brass contact on the crush can of the steering column.

Thanks,
Kremlin K.

Turns out I had something put together wrong. If I remember correctly, I didn't have the turn signal assembly seated properly, and the slip ring on the crush can was contacting one of the 5 wire terminations in the lower right corner of the photo below.



I took some notes on what I found, I just need to find my log book.  If I find more info, I'll post it later this weekend.

I was also able make the horn blow if I pushed on the rim of the wheel, probably around 4 or 5 o'clock. 

I just remembered what the problem was.  I didn't have the snap ring located in the groove properly.  That prevented the turn signal assembly from seating properly and that was what led to my problem.  Once I discovered that, it all went back together okay, and worked fine ever since.

[KremlinKrusher]

I appreciate any notes on the fix that you have, I just got mine running and I was out for a drive and it just started going off randomly untill it was almost on the whole time. But it happened only when the wheel is turned to the left so I'm hoping when I pull the crush can that I this is the full extent of my problem.

[spamtank]

Yes, definitely check the seating of the bearing and that the snap ring is sitting properly in the groove.