Horn Not Working

[markqc]

The horn on my 2000 Silhouette stopped working recently. The horn will sound when I lock the doors.
How difficult is it to remove the cover on the center of the steering wheel in order to check the switch? Do you need to turn off the air bags or disconnect the battery? Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Mark

[roadrunner2]

Originally Posted by markqc

The horn on my 2000 Silhouette stopped working recently. The horn will sound when I lock the doors.
How difficult is it to remove the cover on the center of the steering wheel in order to check the switch? Do you need to turn off the air bags or disconnect the battery? Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Mark

Get another opinion before you start.

Pull the fuse for the air bag.

Be extremely careful when working on the steering wheel.

If the air bag should go off accidentally, you could be hurt.

[rockwood84]

after you disarm the airbag let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes to discharge the you can pull the center out of the steering wheel.once you get the center out lay it down in a place where it can't fall .the screws that hold the center on are underneath it.

[roadrunner2]

Originally Posted by roadrunner2

Get another opinion before you start.

Pull the fuse for the air bag.

Be extremely careful when working on the steering wheel.

If the air bag should go off accidentally, you could be hurt.

I made a mistake when I said to pull the fuse. Well, more like didn't tell the Whole truth.

I re-read my maual and it recommends disconnecting the NEGATIVE battery cable and wait a few minutes. Sorry.

[markqc]

Thanks for your replies. How difficult is it to remove and replace the horn "pad" in the center of the steering wheel? I am concerned about getting it back on properly. Does the air bag need to come out or does it sit in its "compartment or pocket" while servicing the horn pad? I reallly don't want to mess with the air bag. You wouldn't happen to have a picture in your manual?

Mark

[roadrunner2]

I can't send pictures as I don't have a scanner.

The problem may not be with the horn switch in the steering wheel.

While an assistant presses the horn switch on the steering wheel pad, test for battery voltage at the dark green wire terminal.

Check for continuity to ground at the black wire terminal.
If there is no voltage at the dark green wire terminal, check the horn relay, which is located in the underhood fuse/relay box. (Above the battery)

To avoid possible airbag inflation and injury, have someone with airbag experience help.

If you can, go to a library and look up the repair manual for your vehicle.

Other than that, go to almost any automotive store and check out the Haynes repair manual # 38036 P# 10-11 & 12 (under steering wheel removal).

[rockwood84]

does the cruise still work?

[markqc]

Thanks for the replies.

"The problem may not be with the horn switch in the steering wheel."

You may be right. I'll try your troubleshooting tip this weekend. The horn does sound when you lock the doors. Does the alarm circuit use a different fuse than the horn circuit?


"does the cruise still work?"

I'll try the cruise tonight. Is the cruise control on the same circuit?

Mark

[rockwood84]

if both the horn and cruise control don't work then its gonna be a broken clockspring under the airbag/center of steering wheel.......this will make the airbag light come on too.

[markqc]

The cruise control still works. I will need to check the fuse for the horn, but I'm sure this must be good as the horn sounds when setting the alarm.

[rockwood84]

most likely the horn contacts in steering wheel.......

[billn2]

If I remember correctly the horn circuit by-passes the clockspring and uses the turnsignal cancling cam to complete the circuit. If the horn sounds when you lock the doors, you probably need a horn switch. If memory serves me correctly on this one I believe the horn switch is part of the air bag. Make sure you check the continuity of the curcuit through the steering column before you condemn the air bag. There is a spring loaded contact that connects to the turnsignal cancling cam. Some times the cam breaks where the contact fastens and can no longer hold it down. The switch actually completes the ground circuit.