Why does my horn only work when wheel is turned?

[peterdouglas]

Why does my horn only work when wheel is turned? What's a good replacement horn?

Has anyone had this problem? My horn "usually" works only when the steering wheel is turned a quarter turn to the left. Sometimes it works when the wheel is turned more, but almost never when the steering wheel is straight (regardless of which horn button is pressed). I've got a 1984 BJ60.

On a similar topic, has anyone found a good replacement for the dual horns? My stock original horns were so feeble, I had to replace them. I wanted a Japanese sounding dual note horn that was really loud. My friend's 1998 Camry sounded just about right, but at the time, I couldn't find one in the wreckers that was easily accessible. As a quick fix, I got dual horns out of a 1999 Hyundai Sonata, but it's not quite what I wanted. Is there a Toyota or other Japanese vehicle that would have decent dual horns? I even thought about Fiamm aftermarket horns but I don't think they have the sound I'm after.

 

[sandcruiser]

probably a bad horn contact. its less than $10 in parts from Cdan.

could also be something wrong with your wiring.... but probably the contact

 

[peterdouglas]

OK, that sounds like a good cheap fix! I'll have to crack open the old Haynes manual and see how to get to the horn contact. With any luck, it might just be loose or dirty, although even if I have to order the part, it's not too expensive.

 

[FJKai]

It's the horn contact on the brass ring. Mine does the same exact thing, slightly to the left and it works. Once you pull the wheel off, you'll see it. There is a small piece that's spring loaded that makes contact with the brass ring. You can try to clean it, and even stretch the spring, but it still didn't really fix it for me. I might just break down and get the parts Sandcruiser mentioned and fix it right. Simple though, and you'll see everything once the wheel is off.

 

[cbmontgo]

It's the horn contact on the brass ring. Mine does the same exact thing, slightly to the left and it works. Once you pull the wheel off, you'll see it. There is a small piece that's spring loaded that makes contact with the brass ring. You can try to clean it, and even stretch the spring, but it still didn't really fix it for me. I might just break down and get the parts Sandcruiser mentioned and fix it right. Simple though, and you'll see everything once the wheel is off.

Yep. Mine does the same thing; this is a very common problem with FJ60s. It is a simple fix, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

 

[peterdouglas]

Maybe I should just order the part and replace it while the wheel is off then. Then I won't have to take the wheel off twice in the even I can't save the original spring. Thanks for the tips guys!

UPDATE: I just called my local Toyota dealer. They sell it for $16 CDN. A bit more than Cruiser Dan, but no shipping to pay, duty, etc, so it probably works out the same amount and I just need to drive 3 minutes down the road to pick it up. If I'm lucky, it will be in by tomorrow, if not, then in a couple of weeks.

 

[sandcruiser]

the spring/contact in question was designed as a consumable, yours almost certainly needs to be replaced. I'd order first, then pull the wheel.

Pulling the wheel off is easy, just DON'T remove the center nut all the way!! Loosen it most of the way, THEN tug the wheel off (or use a pulley-puller). If you pull that nut off all the way, then the only thing that keeps the wheel from whacking you in the face when you pull it off is your fast reflexes. My reflexes, I've discovered, aren't that fast.

Once the wheel is loose, pull the nut, pull the wheel.

Incidentally- before you pull the wheel it is good idea to be pointing straight ahead w/ the wheel centered. That way when you put it back on you don't introduce any misalignment.

 

[Tofudebeest]

Mine came with the cheapo air horns, $30-40 at any auto parts store. I like 'em, not too obnoxious, but will scare the soul out of anyone if I get up real close, not that I would...

 

[peterdouglas]

the spring/contact in question was designed as a consumable, yours almost certainly needs to be replaced. I'd order first, then pull the wheel.

Pulling the wheel off is easy, just DON'T remove the center nut all the way!! Loosen it most of the way, THEN tug the wheel off (or use a pulley-puller). If you pull that nut off all the way, then the only thing that keeps the wheel from whacking you in the face when you pull it off is your fast reflexes. My reflexes, I've discovered, aren't that fast.

Once the wheel is loose, pull the nut, pull the wheel.

Incidentally- before you pull the wheel it is good idea to be pointing straight ahead w/ the wheel centered. That way when you put it back on you don't introduce any misalignment.

Thanks for the tips! The part is now on order. I will do as you suggested about how to remove the steering wheel. Seems I whacked myself in the face once before on a previous vehicle.

Mine came with the cheapo air horns, $30-40 at any auto parts store. I like 'em, not too obnoxious, but will scare the soul out of anyone if I get up real close, not that I would...

I thought of air horns. It would be fun to scare people with, muhahahahah!!!! Not that I would do that, of course. (almost as much fun as "accidentally" driving through a puddle and splashing pedestrians - I've been both the splasher and the splashee). Perhaps I could install air horns as a secondary system with a button on the dash and use the horn buttons on the steering wheel for normal use.

 

[Dynosoar]

There is an easy fix no parts needed.

1. Remove steering wheel
2. Remove brass ring attached to the back of the steering wheel (3 small phillips screws)
3.Reinstall brass ring with three small washers under the ring and tighten the screws.
4. reinstall steering wheel.
5. Honk the horn till you neighbors complain.

Dynosoar

 

[peterdouglas]

That sounds even easier! I've already ordered the part though, but if they say it will take a couple of weeks to come in, then maybe I'll tell them to cancel it and I'll try the washers. Otherwise the part could arrive by tomorrow, and it's not too expensive.

 

[Max.Powerzz]

I have the opposite problem: my horn works straight on but not when it's turned. I discovered this backing out of a parking lot an a lady directly behind me started backing out without looking. I started honking the horn but nothing happened, she nearly hit me. Does this sound like the same culprit?

 

[Dynosoar]

Same problem Different wheel position.

Dynosoar

 

[takeitforgranite]

x2 on the washers

 

[amazon196969]

There is an easy fix no parts needed.

1. Remove steering wheel
2. Remove brass ring attached to the back of the steering wheel (3 small phillips screws)
3.Reinstall brass ring with three small washers under the ring and tighten the screws.
4. reinstall steering wheel.
5. Honk the horn till you neighbors complain.

Dynosoar

I know this is many years on and a great fix-it-tip with washers etc...thought I would include my quick fix-it without the need to purchase parts (if you have bit's laying around to suit the job as I did) and no need to remove the steering wheel...All I did was place a metal cap ontop of the loaded spring (contact for the ring under steering wheel) as I realised the section where horn wasn't working may have been worn...I fastened it with knead-it that epoxy putty stuff...1 month later and still honk-honk-hunky-dory...My metal cap was from a car lighter power plug thingy that no longer worked...maybe could use the end of a fuse also...

 

[NCFJ]

The most common hack is a 22L shell over the end of the pin. The proper piece is less than $10 so why hack it.

 

[TexasBlue]

The parts are small...c clip and spring. Not hard just have magnet nearby in another set of hands....my daughter helped.

Autozone or O'Reilly s have steering wheel puller...free rental.

Or use a spent .22 long rifle as mentioned above. They both work...I like the washers as a 3rd route. But ultimately the pin will wear. Let us know what u do.

This site is all about helping each other out and sharing the success.

 

[EasternYeti]

Does anyone have a part number for the brass ring ?

When I was at the solid axle summit this year all the trashing dented up my ring and I have the same issue.

As much as I want the washers to work, a new ring is needed

 

[OSS]

Toyota Part No.: 45176-20030
RING, HORN CONTACT

 

[EasternYeti]

Toyota Part No.: 45176-20030
RING, HORN CONTACT

Thank you good sir!!