Electrical Question...
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
Electrical Question...
I had an older thread regarding a periodic sticking of my horn. I never resolved the issue because I would have to replace the airbag. It is quite costly and I've been limping along by taking the horn fuse in and out each time I drive.
Is there any type of an "add a circuit" that has an on / off switch? I searched but can't find anything. I thought of this based on something like this, #0954 in this link:
http://www.picowiring.com/pdf/Cat-25.pdf
If one of these was available with an on / off switch it would solve my problem of installing/removing the fuse every time I get in and out of the truck.
Open to any suggestions that might help.
Is there any type of an "add a circuit" that has an on / off switch? I searched but can't find anything. I thought of this based on something like this, #0954 in this link:
http://www.picowiring.com/pdf/Cat-25.pdf
If one of these was available with an on / off switch it would solve my problem of installing/removing the fuse every time I get in and out of the truck.
Open to any suggestions that might help.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 323
Likes: 12
From: Tulare, CA
Don't waste your money on those add a circuit fuse adapters they don't fit our fuse boxes - at least not in my 06 F 250. I also had the same problem with my horn on my 06 - it would constantly blow unless I pulled the fuse. I was able to find a used horn/air bag on eBay for $45.00 with free shipping. The FORD emblem in the middle of the horn had a dent in it. I was able to remove 4 torx screws from my replacement horn assembly - pull the cover back, remove the horn contact pad from it and install it in my original horn assembly a VERY fast & easy fix. Sean posted some pics - if you can't find the link I'll be happy to take pics of how it's done. With pics you can see how easily it's accomplished.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 323
Likes: 12
From: Tulare, CA
Here's the link I was talking about that Sean (Yahiko) posted - though after looking at the link I see I only needed to remove 2 Torx screws to peel back the horn pad cover.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-itself-3.html
And here's the link to the eBay auction I purchased my horn/air bag assembly from. I did specifically ask if the horn worked properly before I bought it.
Ford F250SD L Driver Wheel Air Bag Fits 05 06 07 | eBay
Hope this info helps.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-itself-3.html
And here's the link to the eBay auction I purchased my horn/air bag assembly from. I did specifically ask if the horn worked properly before I bought it.
Ford F250SD L Driver Wheel Air Bag Fits 05 06 07 | eBay
Hope this info helps.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
Here's the link I was talking about that Sean (Yahiko) posted - though after looking at the link I see I only needed to remove 2 Torx screws to peel back the horn pad cover.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-itself-3.html
And here's the link to the eBay auction I purchased my horn/air bag assembly from. I did specifically ask if the horn worked properly before I bought it.
Ford F250SD L Driver Wheel Air Bag Fits 05 06 07 | eBay
Hope this info helps.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-itself-3.html
And here's the link to the eBay auction I purchased my horn/air bag assembly from. I did specifically ask if the horn worked properly before I bought it.
Ford F250SD L Driver Wheel Air Bag Fits 05 06 07 | eBay
Hope this info helps.
I saw the topic and thought I would take a look.
It's very easy to pull the switch and replace it. I would think that you could even use one from a wheel
that the air bag has deployed. Your only after the switch and it should survive. Just take a meter when you
go hunting the bone yard. I had to replace my leather covered wheel and they let me have the ban switch
and wheel for $50.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
Thanks for the comments and links. I remember Sean's posts from the first time I started posting about my horn. I had the clock spring changed and that did not solve the problem, so I'm convinced it's the switch by the airbag. Couple more questions as I'm not that confident with changing it, that's why I figured attaching some sort of on / off switch to the fuse would be easier? My truck is a 2003 F250.
There is a depression where the Ford emblem is on the horn cover. Would that cause an issue if I did change the bladder cover/switch?
On the '03, is there a connector like the '06 that Sean posted pics of?
I thought that the bladder/switch had an adhesive and was not easily removed?
In regards to the bladder/switch, for the '03, what years would fit it. The link that HearseDriver posted was helpful, if I could get one cheap and feel confident to swap out the bladder/switch, I'll do it.
Anywhere else besides eBay to buy a used airbag? I don't know of any junkyards in my area.
Thanks.
There is a depression where the Ford emblem is on the horn cover. Would that cause an issue if I did change the bladder cover/switch?
On the '03, is there a connector like the '06 that Sean posted pics of?
I thought that the bladder/switch had an adhesive and was not easily removed?
In regards to the bladder/switch, for the '03, what years would fit it. The link that HearseDriver posted was helpful, if I could get one cheap and feel confident to swap out the bladder/switch, I'll do it.
Anywhere else besides eBay to buy a used airbag? I don't know of any junkyards in my area.
Thanks.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 323
Likes: 12
From: Tulare, CA
Thanks for the comments and links. I remember Sean's posts from the first time I started posting about my horn. I had the clock spring changed and that did not solve the problem, so I'm convinced it's the switch by the airbag.
Couple more questions as I'm not that confident with changing it, that's why I figured attaching some sort of on / off switch to the fuse would be easier? My truck is a 2003 F250.
Believe it or not I think it would be faster & easier to replace the horn switch assembly than wiring and installing an off/on switch for the horn. Here's the run down
1) Disconnect the positive battery cable
2 On the back side of the steering wheel next to the horn button are 2 plastic
plugs - one on each side - using your fingernail pop them out. Behind them are small screws (I'm not sure of the size but I can sure find out easy enough if you like) going by memory I think they're 5/16 & not metric.
3) The horn button should fall out in your hand - if not a gentle tug will release it.
4) Unplug the horn button assembly
5) Those two T25 Torx screws that Sean shows removed? Remove them.
6) If you look carefully you can see there're 4 places where the horn cover is held together - just separate them and the horn cover will easily fold back revealing the brown horn contact bladder just laying there - it lust lays in there, no glue or contact cement - it just sets there - lift it out.
There is a depression where the Ford emblem is on the horn cover. Would that cause an issue if I did change the bladder cover/switch?
No, There's a FORD emblem depression in our 06 horn buttons also but covered by a metal FORD Blue Oval metal tag. It doesn't affect a thing.
On the '03, is there a connector like the '06 that Sean posted pics of?
Yes exactly the same. The same horn contact is used from 2002 - 2007
I thought that the bladder/switch had an adhesive and was not easily removed?
No it just lays in there, like a letter in an envelope.
In regards to the bladder/switch, for the '03, what years would fit it. The link that HearseDriver posted was helpful, if I could get one cheap and feel confident to swap out the bladder/switch, I'll do it.
02 - 07 use the same switch
Anywhere else besides eBay to buy a used airbag? I don't know of any junkyards in my area.
Thanks.
Couple more questions as I'm not that confident with changing it, that's why I figured attaching some sort of on / off switch to the fuse would be easier? My truck is a 2003 F250.
Believe it or not I think it would be faster & easier to replace the horn switch assembly than wiring and installing an off/on switch for the horn. Here's the run down
1) Disconnect the positive battery cable
2 On the back side of the steering wheel next to the horn button are 2 plastic
plugs - one on each side - using your fingernail pop them out. Behind them are small screws (I'm not sure of the size but I can sure find out easy enough if you like) going by memory I think they're 5/16 & not metric.
3) The horn button should fall out in your hand - if not a gentle tug will release it.
4) Unplug the horn button assembly
5) Those two T25 Torx screws that Sean shows removed? Remove them.
6) If you look carefully you can see there're 4 places where the horn cover is held together - just separate them and the horn cover will easily fold back revealing the brown horn contact bladder just laying there - it lust lays in there, no glue or contact cement - it just sets there - lift it out.
There is a depression where the Ford emblem is on the horn cover. Would that cause an issue if I did change the bladder cover/switch?
No, There's a FORD emblem depression in our 06 horn buttons also but covered by a metal FORD Blue Oval metal tag. It doesn't affect a thing.
On the '03, is there a connector like the '06 that Sean posted pics of?
Yes exactly the same. The same horn contact is used from 2002 - 2007
I thought that the bladder/switch had an adhesive and was not easily removed?
No it just lays in there, like a letter in an envelope.
In regards to the bladder/switch, for the '03, what years would fit it. The link that HearseDriver posted was helpful, if I could get one cheap and feel confident to swap out the bladder/switch, I'll do it.
02 - 07 use the same switch
Anywhere else besides eBay to buy a used airbag? I don't know of any junkyards in my area.
Thanks.
Now if you want a new horn Switch/Bladder (Dorman part # 924-904 ) they're $141.95 - too rich for my blood so I bought a used one for almost $100.00 less. Here's the link for that:
2002-2007 Ford F250 Super Duty Horn Contact - Dorman 924-904 - - PartsGeek.com
Again you might check eBay and Amazon using the Dorman 924-904 part number.
If you're still not confident and/or would like more pictures just let me know I'll be more than happy to take & post them for you.
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 323
Likes: 12
From: Tulare, CA
Update - here's the least expensive NEW horn contact I could find @ $125.56:
Horn Contact Dorman 924 904 Fits 02 07 Ford F 350 Super Duty | eBay
Ebay used horn buttons - listed as drivers side air bags - notice the best offer:
99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 Ford F250 F350 Excursion Driver Side Air Bag Black | eBay
or
05 06 07 Ford F350 Super Duty Air Bag Front Driver Wheel w Radio Control 12641 | eBay
Horn Contact Dorman 924 904 Fits 02 07 Ford F 350 Super Duty | eBay
Ebay used horn buttons - listed as drivers side air bags - notice the best offer:
99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 Ford F250 F350 Excursion Driver Side Air Bag Black | eBay
or
05 06 07 Ford F350 Super Duty Air Bag Front Driver Wheel w Radio Control 12641 | eBay
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Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
Feeling more confident now, thanks guys.
I'm glad I brought this topic back up because when this started I was under the impression that the horn contact was not available separately of the airbag:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15916436
That pic shows the assembly and it makes sense, I was just hung up on it being stuck on or unable to be removed.
Does it matter if my current cover has a depression in it, where the Ford emblem is? I don't think that's what causes the problem because I've had zero issues with the fuse in over the past many months, no horn sticking at all. The problem originally happened in the winter.
I tried searching for junkyards in my area and contacted two of them, but no responses as of yet. I'm going check out those eBay links and search for some more, but at this point, I'm almost willing to spend the $125 for that one that HearseDriver posted from eBay.
I'm glad I brought this topic back up because when this started I was under the impression that the horn contact was not available separately of the airbag:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15916436
That pic shows the assembly and it makes sense, I was just hung up on it being stuck on or unable to be removed.
Does it matter if my current cover has a depression in it, where the Ford emblem is? I don't think that's what causes the problem because I've had zero issues with the fuse in over the past many months, no horn sticking at all. The problem originally happened in the winter.
I tried searching for junkyards in my area and contacted two of them, but no responses as of yet. I'm going check out those eBay links and search for some more, but at this point, I'm almost willing to spend the $125 for that one that HearseDriver posted from eBay.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 323
Likes: 12
From: Tulare, CA
CNC,
Sorry I didn't see your first post (from January of this year) & I misinterpreted what you were stating when you said your horn pad has an indentation in the middle of it. I didn't know you are from New Jersey and your horn got a LOT of use. I'm guessing your air bag has an indentation in it from the horn use. I wouldn't worry - the horn cover is VERY pliable and soft, it shouldn't affect your horn bladder at all. The horn cover pad isn't much stiffer than a piece of vinyl upholstery material.
I'm betting the wrecking yards will want more for a used air bag/horn assembly than you can buy that NEW horn contact off eBay from. Even the used air bag/horn assemblies off eRape are usually over $100.00. To see one under $100.00 with shipping is very rare.
As Sean (Yahiko) stated you can also slide the switch out just by removing those 2 Torx screws - but releasing the 4 little tabs on the horn pad lets you easily peel back the entire horn cover and the old one will drop out. In all honesty I was trying to sneak my bladder out like Sean did but got a little to forceful (in a hurry) and the clips released allowing me to peel back the horn cover. It was one of those Oh Wow moments. Hope this info helps.
Sorry I didn't see your first post (from January of this year) & I misinterpreted what you were stating when you said your horn pad has an indentation in the middle of it. I didn't know you are from New Jersey and your horn got a LOT of use. I'm guessing your air bag has an indentation in it from the horn use. I wouldn't worry - the horn cover is VERY pliable and soft, it shouldn't affect your horn bladder at all. The horn cover pad isn't much stiffer than a piece of vinyl upholstery material.
I'm betting the wrecking yards will want more for a used air bag/horn assembly than you can buy that NEW horn contact off eBay from. Even the used air bag/horn assemblies off eRape are usually over $100.00. To see one under $100.00 with shipping is very rare.
As Sean (Yahiko) stated you can also slide the switch out just by removing those 2 Torx screws - but releasing the 4 little tabs on the horn pad lets you easily peel back the entire horn cover and the old one will drop out. In all honesty I was trying to sneak my bladder out like Sean did but got a little to forceful (in a hurry) and the clips released allowing me to peel back the horn cover. It was one of those Oh Wow moments. Hope this info helps.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 272
Likes: 3
I think the indentation has just been a result of heat and the way it wore. Yeah I use the horn a lot, but it's right in the middle, so I doubt it was from that.
I'm seeing the same thing with ebay airbags at $100 and up. I contacted two junk yards, but no response. In all honesty, the horn bladder switch you linked for $125 is pretty good considering it's new and a fairly easy swap.
I'm leaning towards getting the bladder, but would like to clarify something with the assembly/disassembly.
In that link I posted in post #10, it shows four different parts. When I remove the airbag from the steering wheel, is there a way to separate it like that picture, so the bladder is easily exposed? You lost me a bit with removing just the 2 torx screws, what are the four tabs on the horn pad? From Sean's picture, it looks like that whole unit is riveted together, but in that picture from the link I posted in post #10, the unit is separated. I tried searching for a video on youtube, but could not find anything.
I'm seeing the same thing with ebay airbags at $100 and up. I contacted two junk yards, but no response. In all honesty, the horn bladder switch you linked for $125 is pretty good considering it's new and a fairly easy swap.
I'm leaning towards getting the bladder, but would like to clarify something with the assembly/disassembly.
In that link I posted in post #10, it shows four different parts. When I remove the airbag from the steering wheel, is there a way to separate it like that picture, so the bladder is easily exposed? You lost me a bit with removing just the 2 torx screws, what are the four tabs on the horn pad? From Sean's picture, it looks like that whole unit is riveted together, but in that picture from the link I posted in post #10, the unit is separated. I tried searching for a video on youtube, but could not find anything.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
Try B&R auto wrecking $50 for a working steering wheel and bad.
BTW that was a black leather one at that. They said that they could
ship it or I could come in and pick it up. Because I lice between 2 yards
that are under 10 minutes away I went for the pick it up option.
BTW that was a black leather one at that. They said that they could
ship it or I could come in and pick it up. Because I lice between 2 yards
that are under 10 minutes away I went for the pick it up option.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 323
Likes: 12
From: Tulare, CA
CNC,
I hope I can clarify this for you and I'm not too confusing. I have a difficult time putting in writing what I'm trying to get across. So if I'm not making sense please let me know.
Yes, you can easily open up the horn cover and fully expose the bladder. If you look at the first picture - the one that Yahiko posted after removing those 2 Torx screws - if you lift up on that bracket that the horn wire connector clips to - pull that away from the backing. Looking at Yahiko's picture you would pull it up towards of where the picture is. Believe me once you see it in person it will make since.
Now in that second picture image #2 - you see those 4 slots on the side of the horn cover - that's where the tabs from top portion locks into the bottom section. Image #2 is the bottom portion and the top portion folds over that like a door.
You don't remove the rivets or the 4 nuts on the studs - The rivets attach the bottom part of the cover to the frame and the 4 nuts hold the Air Bag to the frame. Picture #2 shows everything separated but on a 2006 F 250 it won't separate like that unless you drilled out the rivets BUT there's no need for that it will open up like a door leaving the horn contact bladder exposed like Picture #2, Image #2.
If you still have more questions feel free to PM me and if I'm still not making myself clear I can do a video chat and show you exactly how it's done and how easily it's done. It literally takes less than one minute to expose the horn contact bladder once the horn/air bag assembly is removed from the truck.
I hope I can clarify this for you and I'm not too confusing. I have a difficult time putting in writing what I'm trying to get across. So if I'm not making sense please let me know.
Yes, you can easily open up the horn cover and fully expose the bladder. If you look at the first picture - the one that Yahiko posted after removing those 2 Torx screws - if you lift up on that bracket that the horn wire connector clips to - pull that away from the backing. Looking at Yahiko's picture you would pull it up towards of where the picture is. Believe me once you see it in person it will make since.
Now in that second picture image #2 - you see those 4 slots on the side of the horn cover - that's where the tabs from top portion locks into the bottom section. Image #2 is the bottom portion and the top portion folds over that like a door.
You don't remove the rivets or the 4 nuts on the studs - The rivets attach the bottom part of the cover to the frame and the 4 nuts hold the Air Bag to the frame. Picture #2 shows everything separated but on a 2006 F 250 it won't separate like that unless you drilled out the rivets BUT there's no need for that it will open up like a door leaving the horn contact bladder exposed like Picture #2, Image #2.
If you still have more questions feel free to PM me and if I'm still not making myself clear I can do a video chat and show you exactly how it's done and how easily it's done. It literally takes less than one minute to expose the horn contact bladder once the horn/air bag assembly is removed from the truck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
CNC,
I hope I can clarify this for you and I'm not too confusing. I have a difficult time putting in writing what I'm trying to get across. So if I'm not making sense please let me know.
Yes, you can easily open up the horn cover and fully expose the bladder. If you look at the first picture - the one that Yahiko posted after removing those 2 Torx screws - if you lift up on that bracket that the horn wire connector clips to - pull that away from the backing. Looking at Yahiko's picture you would pull it up towards of where the picture is. Believe me once you see it in person it will make since.
Now in that second picture image #2 - you see those 4 slots on the side of the horn cover - that's where the tabs from top portion locks into the bottom section. Image #2 is the bottom portion and the top portion folds over that like a door.
You don't remove the rivets or the 4 nuts on the studs - The rivets attach the bottom part of the cover to the frame and the 4 nuts hold the Air Bag to the frame. Picture #2 shows everything separated but on a 2006 F 250 it won't separate like that unless you drilled out the rivets BUT there's no need for that it will open up like a door leaving the horn contact bladder exposed like Picture #2, Image #2.
If you still have more questions feel free to PM me and if I'm still not making myself clear I can do a video chat and show you exactly how it's done and how easily it's done. It literally takes less than one minute to expose the horn contact bladder once the horn/air bag assembly is removed from the truck.
I hope I can clarify this for you and I'm not too confusing. I have a difficult time putting in writing what I'm trying to get across. So if I'm not making sense please let me know.
Yes, you can easily open up the horn cover and fully expose the bladder. If you look at the first picture - the one that Yahiko posted after removing those 2 Torx screws - if you lift up on that bracket that the horn wire connector clips to - pull that away from the backing. Looking at Yahiko's picture you would pull it up towards of where the picture is. Believe me once you see it in person it will make since.
Now in that second picture image #2 - you see those 4 slots on the side of the horn cover - that's where the tabs from top portion locks into the bottom section. Image #2 is the bottom portion and the top portion folds over that like a door.
You don't remove the rivets or the 4 nuts on the studs - The rivets attach the bottom part of the cover to the frame and the 4 nuts hold the Air Bag to the frame. Picture #2 shows everything separated but on a 2006 F 250 it won't separate like that unless you drilled out the rivets BUT there's no need for that it will open up like a door leaving the horn contact bladder exposed like Picture #2, Image #2.
If you still have more questions feel free to PM me and if I'm still not making myself clear I can do a video chat and show you exactly how it's done and how easily it's done. It literally takes less than one minute to expose the horn contact bladder once the horn/air bag assembly is removed from the truck.
BTW I now have an air bag without a working horn and was thinking about a video on blowing it up.
What do you think? It's really not somehting that I want sitting in the garage for a long time.