Horn blows when steering wheel is turned
#1
06-20-07, 08:53 AM
Horn blows when steering wheel is turned
97 Plymouth Breeze 4 cyl 2.0L 70k miles
Horn blows when the steering wheel is turned. I had to remove the horn fuse.
I know the horn wire comes all the way up on the steering column, and it can be anywhere from there. But for a symptom like this where should I check first? Is there a relay in the horn circuit? Thanks.
Horn blows when the steering wheel is turned. I had to remove the horn fuse.
I know the horn wire comes all the way up on the steering column, and it can be anywhere from there. But for a symptom like this where should I check first? Is there a relay in the horn circuit? Thanks.
#2
06-20-07, 09:12 AM
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 7,754
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
The problem lies within the column. Sounds as if the clockspring within the wheel might be the issue.
I would disconnect the battery prior to doing any repair in the column.
I would disconnect the battery prior to doing any repair in the column.
#5
06-21-07, 09:02 AM
Banned. Rule And/Or Policy Violation
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 7,754
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
"could be the foam that keeps the contacts from touching is deteriorated."
If this was the case, the horn would be sounding all the time. His just sounds when turning the wheel, which is the clockspring.
If this was the case, the horn would be sounding all the time. His just sounds when turning the wheel, which is the clockspring.
#6
08-19-07, 10:34 AM
I am ready now to tackle this problem. Exactly what am I to do with the clockspring? I have shop manual and AutoZone online instuction for airbag removal. Thanks.
EDIT: I searched this forum for "clockspring." Apparently, it has something to do with cruise control. In my case, the cruise control light on the dashboard went out a few months back (but CC still works). Do you suspect the clockspring wire went bad for the CC and shorted for horn?
EDIT: I searched this forum for "clockspring." Apparently, it has something to do with cruise control. In my case, the cruise control light on the dashboard went out a few months back (but CC still works). Do you suspect the clockspring wire went bad for the CC and shorted for horn?
#7
08-20-07, 10:52 PM
This is what I have learned so far about my horn problem. It used to be only when the wheel was turned (a month ago). When I tested yesterday, it was blowing continuously. The +12V horn wire was grounded intermittently then, but is now always grounded.
If the clockspring is the cuplrit, the single horn wire coming from the clockspring to airbag holding bracket must go ground (instead of maintaining +12V). This is what I will check tomorrow. I will report back to the forum. Thanks.
If the clockspring is the cuplrit, the single horn wire coming from the clockspring to airbag holding bracket must go ground (instead of maintaining +12V). This is what I will check tomorrow. I will report back to the forum. Thanks.
#8
08-21-07, 12:15 PM
Problem solved!
Clockspring was not the culprit. Four insulating plastic washers of particular shape for airbag brackets deteriorated - I should say crumbled. Consequently, airbag sagged and contacted the horn grounding point. It was a difficult problem to diagnose without prior experience. Since dealer doesn't sell the washers separately, I had to either fabricate them or purchase the entire steering assembly for $100. I took the first route. It took me a day.
If anyone has 98 Plymouth Breeze or Dodge Stratus, beware of this problem.
Clockspring was not the culprit. Four insulating plastic washers of particular shape for airbag brackets deteriorated - I should say crumbled. Consequently, airbag sagged and contacted the horn grounding point. It was a difficult problem to diagnose without prior experience. Since dealer doesn't sell the washers separately, I had to either fabricate them or purchase the entire steering assembly for $100. I took the first route. It took me a day.
If anyone has 98 Plymouth Breeze or Dodge Stratus, beware of this problem.
