Exasperating Intermittent Horn

[Robho]

Having isolated an intermittent horn the the steering wheel 'push', I followed the many tips on here (thanks) to remove the cover and clean the contacts.

On replacing the cover - an immediate 'fix'. 

Later that day, no horn. Occasionally would operate after pressing the centre in every conceivable way ..but without a pattern.

Took it off again and gently bent the lower two contacts very slightly closer since it appeared they might not be making good contact. Replaced the cover - success. working better than before and when depressed from any position.

A couple of days later - nothing again!

Any suggestions on tests / tips very welcome at this point!

Thanks.

[Pedronicus]

Sounds like it could be an intermittent break in the cable that comes out the back of the steering wheel.

[geoff]

        Seeing as you are adept at removing the airbag / horn push ....

I had the same problem and found the earth return was a poor design with the method of cable connection leaving a lot to be desired.

I cut off the push fit connector ( black cable ) and replaced it with a crimped ring connector and used a self tapping screw to attach it to the steering wheel, worked for me.

Worth doing the same I reckon before going too deep as the above fix will give certainty before any need to go further.

[Robho]

Sounds like it could be an intermittent break in the cable that comes out the back of the steering wheel.

Cheers - can you be a bit more specific as to which cable  pls?

[Robho]

Seeing as you are adept at removing the airbag / horn push ....

I had the same problem and found the earth return was a poor design with the method of cable connection leaving a lot to be desired.

I cut off the push fit connector ( black cable ) and replaced it with a crimped ring connector and used a self tapping screw to attach it to the steering wheel, worked for me.

Worth doing the same I reckon before going too deep as the above fix will give certainty before any need to go further.

That's a good tip, Geoff, thanks. and the picture helps too - I'll give it a try. 
(Btw 'adept' is an exaggeration - what a bloody fiddly job it is!)

[geoff]

LOL !!!!

[Robho]

LOL !!!!

OK, carried out the mod Geoff suggests yesterday. 

As much as the earth terminal seemed well-located (and making decent contact) the horn wasnt working before the mod - and, after the mod, it is working. 

And it is working the following day - very promising.

Given I've been here a couple of times before (apparently working fine, then not...) I'll report back after a couple of days...

[Robho]

LOL !!!!

OK, carried out the mod Geoff suggests yesterday. 

As much as the earth terminal seemed well-located (and making decent contact) the horn wasnt working before the mod - and, after the mod, it is working. 

And it is working the following day - very promising.

Given I've been here a couple of times before (apparently working fine, then not...) I'll report back after a couple of days...

OK, a couple of days have passed and the horn is still working, and consistently. What a weird fault. 

Whilst for safety reasons I wouldnt recommend working around the airbag without some experience - I had a friend who is a Honda technician with me - (and taking great care, battery disconnected and left for a while before starting, etc) ...these were the steps I took in case it helps any one else with the same problem. Anyone who has also done this might like to add clarifying points since it is difficult to describe without seeing in the flesh so to speak:


- disconnected both battery terminals
- allowed 20mins to pass before starting any work
- the steering wheel centre is fiddly to release. you have to tackle it from the rear. I found a small flat blade screwdriver with the tip bent by about 20 degrees helped.
- insert the screwdriver into the access holes in the rear of the wheel centre
- you are looking to release the retaining spring ...its fiddly
- once the first is released I found it helpful to insert a small wedge between the wheel centre and surround otherwise when releasing the next, the prior one can re-connect
- once the centre is loose support it carefully and ensure no pressure on the airbag apparatus
- as mentioned in other threads, gently clean the four contact points with fine wet and dry paper 
- the earth wire which Geoff has kindly photographed, is in the centre on a spring-loaded spade terminal and, as he recommends, replace the spade terminal and screw it into the body to ensure a solid and consistent contact
- and reassemble....