Does anyone know how the early horn is grounded? I have a problem with the horn in my 83 and I'm guessing it's grounding related. The horn won't work at all unless I turn the steering wheel 1/4 way, which makes for some interesting maneuvers when I need to avoid being hit by other cars.

I read somewhere that there was a grounding strap on the steering column, but I'm not sure where to look.

TIA

 

take off the steering wheel, there is a 24mm nut under the horn pad...look to see if the contacts are dirty/corroded where the wheel connects to the steering column...


HTH

 

If you take the steering wheel off there is a copper strip located on the plate which wis between the wheel and the steering column. I think this is supposed to make contact with the wheel. Mine was noisey and made a scraping noise whenever i turned the wheel so I had to bend it away from the wheel a bit. Check this out.

 

Thanks, Tim. I've never removed the steering wheel myself on this car. I remember something about needing a breaker bar or something to undo that big nut. How'd you get it undone?

 

u don't need a breaker bar, just a 24mm socket and extension...it shouldn't be tight, and be sure NOT to over tighten it when you put it back on...if you have the 'three stem' steering wheel, just pull up on the pad...it has three spots on it that get pressed into the wheel to 'pop' it in place


STRAYER'S TIP #293.2: When putting the steering wheel back on, it is hard to get the nut started because you have to reach down into the small space, i found that it is real easy to put some quarters into the socket first, then put the nut in so the nut just doesn't push deeper into the socket when you are trying to thread it...you will see once you have it off what i am talking about...


HTH

 

Yes, nothing like a good BTDT! Thanks Tim, thanks guys!

 

Got the wheel off with a 24mm socket like you guys said, and tinkered with the copper contact in the 6 o'clock position on the steering column. Bent it several different ways putting the wheel back on to check, but no change. Even went as far as sanding the contact with 2000 grit sandpaper, as well as the contact circle, but to no avail. I'm stumped.

I believe there's another ground somewhere in the steering column, but don't know where exactly?

 

the horn ground goes to the cross member from the steering rack. the column itself is the ground, and the wires are run through the steering wheel, its weird really. make sure you bend the copper out enough to contact the wheel, and then the horn pad connections, and then chase other things. sounds like you need to bend the copper out a bit.

-Michael-

 

I bent it, alright, but no change in the mute horn when the wheel is in the straight position.

 

Bump. Where would I look on the steering column?