A horny problem

[Mr Fixit]

I have a bit of a strange one, when i move the steering column up the horn sounds!!

I have taken the steering column to bits and it seems to be the covers that are causing the problem, trouble is they are plastic

I even disconnected the purple wire to the slip ring and refitted the plastic covers and when i moved them the horn sounded, I could hear a click ( sounded like a relay) so guess something was being shorted on the back of one of the stalks but cannot see and broken of damaged wires

Anybody come across this before!!

Cheers

[Mr Fixit]

Oh and I meant to add that i have, rightly or wrongly, had the alarm removed as it was causing grief and I never knew if the car was going to start!

[Tuga2112]

have you tried to follow the wire from the horn see if its exposed at some point ?
I don't know how your alarm was fitted, or even if its a S2 alarm or an aftermarket but i have seen many alarm systems that plug to the horn, if for some reason a ground wire touches the purple/black one that goes into the horn switch it will short and act as if you pushed the horn (activating the relay as you can hear it click).

Have you got the electrical manual ? if you do, the wiring diagram is in page 70

[Adrian’s_Elan]

Hi, the horn button wire is missing from the Elan I just bought. Where does it go please?

[Adrian’s_Elan]

The wire in my steering wheel is missing. I can see the connector behind the button, but where does it go the other end?

[peteoddcar]

Sprung contact is missing - go to 388 on the service manual
I don’t think the blade on the steering wheel is used
Some one on the forum will have one to help you if not available any more I’m sure.
It’s a GM part probably vauxhall Carlton Omega ( but I’m not sure )

[Tuga2112]

the blade on the steering wheel is used to connect the wire that gives the voltage difference. i had looked at my car not long ago and corrected a poor instalation and i found that picture to be strangely different to my memory.

[peteoddcar]

Hmm - you’re probably right but the exploded view on the drawing in the service manual shows a plunger and spring.
I honestly can’t remember how it connects
You got a photo of one or your cars ?

[peteoddcar]

https://www.sjsportscars.com/parts-and- ... C100H0029F.
SJ Sports Cars list the pin and bush.

[peteoddcar]

IMG_0451.jpeg

[Tuga2112]

Pete, you are correct about the spring+pin.

but that little pin with a spring touches the back of the metal disk on the steering wheel which then follows down to ground.

the female spade connector that attaches to a small blade in the steering wheel is where the +12v supply comes from the battery.

the springy round unit where the cover with the badge attaches is technically the "switch" for the circuit. when you press it, it allows contacts to connect which energise the metal disk where the pin and spring are connected. which then ultimartely triggers the relay behind the instrument cluster

a simple way to check if the sirens are working and give an indication the issue is in the switching mechanism (or relays), is to short 2 connectors at the relay, which bypass the circuit switch. Ive done that by partially pulling the relay back while its connected and use a screwdriver to short the 2 relevant pins (which i cannot remember the numbers... after all i dont have Pinky's memory)

[Adrian’s_Elan]

Thanks Pete, I can see SJ lists the pin, but I need the connector and spring too. Is that separate parts? They also list a ‘horn push ring’…is that what the pin runs against on the back of the wheel? That’s missing from my wheel too.
I’ve now found the wire behind the cowl which has 12v on it, I guess the pin then carries 12v to the ring, which must need to be insulated from the wheel, and then connects up to that blade connector. When the horn’s pushed it connects the 12v to earth through the wheel and steering column.

[peteoddcar]

Hi Adrian
I’d put a wanted on the forum - there’s almost certainly someone who’s breaking or has the parts you need - Brush and spring, ring and earth wire
If no luck there SJ ( Steve ) will most likely have the bits new or used.
I am surprised no one else has jumped onto the post who can help with the parts you need. Saturday is a busy day on the forum especially when strictly is on !!