Can’t get the horn working on my convertible. I’ve had another look this morning and for some reason the horn will work on first press after ignition is turned to on but that’s it, dead. I’ve also discovered that by touching the column by the lower copper wiper with one end of my multi meter tester it will sound? Any suggestions welcome please.

 

On the basis of "ya got begin somewhere" I'd remove the horn pad and check/clean/adjust the contact tabs

Cheers
DD

 

In the steering wheel, not too hard to get to depending on your wheel, there is a contact as well, I believe...? From memory a flat copper disc... Is this the relay?

 

Hi Doug, point taken and I've got the horn pad off. I've put a wire from the horn rod to the column and nothing. Shouldn't that make it sound if the horn pad was the problem?

 

Just discovered if I unscrew the horn rod a little and touch it to the inside of the column it works every time? Getting closer.!

 

I've fiddled about with it. It works well then dead. Pull the horn rod out and start again and it works. Other end of horn rod seems to be the problem. Intermittent connection?

 

There are contact rings inside the column. These are what those external brass fingers/wipers come in contact with. Maybe you can get some aerosol contact cleaner up in there?

Sometimes the rings come loose....but the more common result there is the horn blaring at all times.

Somewhere in the archives are some good write-ups and pics of the column innards and contact rings. I've never had to delve into this myself so I don't have any direct experience to pass along

Cheers
DD

 

The most likely damage I've found on that horn system is the copper or brass contact at the bottom end of the horn rod.

 

I've had a go at it again this morning as I got it working yesterday but this morning it wasn't. Gave the wiper contacts a good clean and it is working again.........for now!!

 

Brinny
have you clamped the feed wire into the wiper securely? It is just a curl of copper holding a bullet from memory, and checked the bullet is securely clamped to the wire? Maybe a touch of solder too?

 

yes looked at that Greg seemed ok. Maybe would have been a good idea to put a blob more solder on. I think the problem was down to excessive grease on the horn rod. I cleaned it off previously with carb cleaner but it ran down the column and gunked the wipers up. I think.🤔

 

Have you tried hot wiring the horns yet?
They can get rusted and freeze