Another'93 horn problem

[marty]

My horns quit working a few days ago. They're both OK when activated by PKE/alarm system, but pressing the steering wheel buttons elicits no response from horns nor any relay clicking noises. Might the horn relay still be bad even tho horns still work w/ alarm, or is the source of my problem somewhere within the steering wheel? Any advice appreciated.:confused

 

[toptechx6]

My horns quit working a few days ago. They're both OK when activated by PKE/alarm system, but pressing the steering wheel buttons elicits no response from horns nor any relay clicking noises. Might the horn relay still be bad even tho horns still work w/ alarm, or is the source of my problem somewhere within the steering wheel? Any advice appreciated.:confused

If the horn functions from the PKE the problem is NOT the relay. I would check the switches in the steering wheel or the spring loaded contact that completes the circuit to allow rotation.

 

[marty]

Toptech6 -- Thanks for the advice. I drove the car quite a bit this past weekend, and noted that when the steering wheel is turned off center, the horns will sometimes work. Does this bit of info change diagnosis? (I seem to remember a past post about this very thing, but can't seem to locate it now) Thanks.

 

[toptechx6]

Your description sounds like an issue with the spring loaded contact mentioned. I would remove the airbag, carefully following the guidelines in the FSM to prevent accidental discharge, then inspect as necessary, steering wheel removal may be also required if you cannot spot the problem after airbag removal, good luck.

 

[John Robinson]

Your next step

Your description sounds like an issue with the spring loaded contact mentioned. I would remove the airbag, carefully following the guidelines in the FSM to prevent accidental discharge, then inspect as necessary, steering wheel removal may be also required if you cannot spot the problem after airbag removal, good luck.

When you get to the contact you will find that it has a long spring on it and a cap. Pay attention to the cap since it is designed to lock into place on the steering wheel. Oh and when you remove the air bag I would suggest you not remove the wires to it. They are long enough to allow you to work on the contact. The hardest part of this project is removing the screws that hold the air bag to the steering wheel.

On my 93 I found the spring loaded contact had simply twisted loose and when I removed the air bag it jumped at me. Don't' say you were not warned when the contact takes off into never never land.

 

[marty]

Thanks John and Toptechx6 -- Great suggestions, but before I launch into this: I've seen that some C4 posters recommend deactivating airbag w/ nothing more than 15 min battery disconnect, while others say follow more involved FSM procedure. Your experiences?
Thanks!

 

[John Robinson]

I honestly do not remember what I did about the power to the air bag. I think I may have worked it hot. Shame on me if I did. At the very least the suggestion to disconnect the battery and let it sit a few min. And then work on it without power. Looking at the fuse block there is a 15A fuse for the air bag and I probably removed that so I would not lose my radio set up. Proceed at your own risk.

 

[toptechx6]

Thanks John and Toptechx6 -- Great suggestions, but before I launch into this: I've seen that some C4 posters recommend deactivating airbag w/ nothing more than 15 min battery disconnect, while others say follow more involved FSM procedure. Your experiences?
Thanks!

The factory procedure is somewhat tedious and while it is probably the safest method I will admit to short cutting it myself. At the minimum disconnect the negative battery cable, pull the airbag fuse and wait the 15 minutes.
If you hear a loud bang please communicate directly with my attorney.:L

 

[marty]

Many thanks to John and toptechx6 -- plan to delve into horn issues soon using your recommendations.