horn works intermittantly only

[Jan-78FJ40]

The horn on my HJ60 works sometims, sometimes not. This affects all 3 buttons on the steering wheel, so I assume it is a contact somewhere dosnstream from there.
Any advice? are there brushes on the steering wheel?
thanks
j

 

[kevinmrowland]

Yup, they wear out over time, or get corroded.

Remove the wheel, there is a brass ring and two spring loaded plungers that make the connection. (you will see them)
They will either be to short or corroded, so replace or clean as needed.

That should fix it. (should)

 

[philos1]

ditto, I think I paid around five bucks at the dealer for the new one...

 

[lovetoski]

The parts you need are called:
horn spring pin
horn contact ring

A tip when removing the steering wheel. Remove three-sided cover first. You'll see a large nut in the middle. Loosen this, but don't remove. Wiggle & pull on steering wheel to remove. W/out the nut on there, the wheel can pop you in the nose! It kinda hurts...

 

[nuclearlemon]

why not just use a puller? ;p

 

[lovetoski]

why not just use a puller? ;p

If ya got one, sure. Actually, the steering wheel's not on there too tight, so bicep power is enough.

 

[nuclearlemon]

never pulled the one off my 60, but a few 40's i've done have been beeeeaatches...

need to do my pickup as it has the same symptoms. have to crank the wheel to get the horn to honk

 

[Jan-78FJ40]

Thanks everyone!
J

 

[cbmontgo]

My 60 has the same issue; it works most of the time, but that's probably not good enough. In fact, I have to take it in for inspection next week so I need to get this fixed.

 

[FJKai]

My 60's horn works fine as long as the wheel is straight. I have noticed if the wheel is turned to the right, it doesn't work. Kind of annoying when you really want to hit it because of some A$$ and realized that since it's a right turn, no sound. I'll have pull the wheel and look at it someday when I have nothing else needing attention. Thanks for the tips.

 

[cbmontgo]

Hey Jan, I just fixed mine in about 20 minutes today. You DO NOT need to remove the steering wheel. Just remove the three screws behind the wheel, which pops the front a the steering wheel loose. Look behind the front piece and you can see the contacts for the horn (3 places for 3 buttons). I just popped each one out, oiled and cleaned it, and ran a fine sandpaper over it and it works like a charm.

I would imagine this is the same problem that your has.

 

[Fourrunner]

Mine did the same thing when I bought it. Cleaned, even used spacers to increase the interference and it is going it again. Think I might just replace the parts now.

 

[cbmontgo]

I think it is just a maintenance item that has to be addressed every few years. Any time you have copper and moving parts, it will corrode/tarnish and need to be cleaned. That is my theory, at least.