Weird horn problem

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Feb 28, 2008 | 08:51 AM

dellwas

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Weird horn problem

I have a '97 F350 7.3L diesel. The horn only blows on the right touch pad, and only if pushed real hard when the wheel is dead centre. If I move the wheel slightly left or right the horn sounds with little pressure on both push points. I've taken it apart and replaced the wires (there are only two) with no difference. There is no air bag in this steering wheel, and I'm thinking the steering column might have been replaced along the way, as ignition keys don't work in the doors (I have no keys for the door locks). Also, there is a fair amount of play in the wheel.

Ideas?

Feb 28, 2008 | 09:52 AM

Action4478

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Did you clean the contacts on the horn ring ?...

Feb 28, 2008 | 10:35 AM

caseydudem

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I 2nd that. You should just need to clean them, and they will be good to go

Feb 28, 2008 | 11:09 AM

dellwas

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No, didn't try that, but will give it a shot. Thought of it, but didn't because it works perfectly if I move the wheel in either direction, that's why I replcaed the wires, figured it was broken and wasn't making contact when centred. Actually, it's not a ring, it's two pieces of copper between a piece of foam. Contact is made when you push in on either side.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Action4478

Did you clean the contacts on the horn ring ?...

Feb 28, 2008 | 11:35 AM

Action4478

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dellwas

If memory serves me correctly (remember , I can hide my own easter eggs )

I think the horn ring is under the lock ring ,A spring loaded button sticking up through it ...

Feb 28, 2008 | 12:36 PM

dellwas

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Mine is definitly different, and like I said I suspect it isn't the original steering wheel assembly. Mine consists of two curved pieces of copper, with a piece of foam in between them. Two wires come from a connector to each piece of the copper, and the circuit is completed when you push down on either side of the horn portion of the steering wheel. God knows what it came out of, but it is Ford (sticker on the inside of the horn asmbly).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Action4478

If memory serves me correctly (remember , I can hide my own easter eggs )

I think the horn ring is under the lock ring ,A spring loaded button sticking up through it ...

Feb 28, 2008 | 03:23 PM

dellwas

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Okay, took it apart again. Mine is a '97 and the steering column is out of a '92 according to the Ford sticker in the horn cover. There is some up and down & forward/backward play in the steering column and if I hold the wheel down it will blow every time while dead centre. If I let off it won't blow on the left side of the wheel. Guess I'll have to wait till spring to find out why there is so much play. Too d*&n cold up here in Nova Scotia to play with this now!