I had the same problem. Was quoted about $200 parts & labor to get it fixed. Here's what to do to diagnose it (on an 85): 1. Remove the two screws that hold the plastic cover on the top & bottom of steering column 2. Remove the horn pad assembly. NOTE : there are two ways to do this. You don't want to remove the horn pad itself (which is held in with 4 fragile plastic tabs with springs) but rather the larger assembly, which is held in with 3 more sturdy plastic tabs. 2. Remove the steering wheel (24mm socket, i think). Make sure you remember the orientation. 3. Look at the bottom of the steering wheel -- you will see the ring and the contact tab/brush. On my van, the contact tab/brush was worn. I was able to find all these pieces at a local u-pick parts yard, so I just replaced them all for about $25: Steering Wheel Switch unit (turn signal, wiper...)
Here are some pictures which may help: http://www.gowesty.com/horn_ring.htm
On Dec 15, 2005, at 5:51 AM, Greenamyer, William L wrote: > Seems that my horn stopped working. It is not the horn or the > contacts > in the top of the stearing wheel. It appears to be a connection in > the > stearing column. Have others had this problem before and what is the > best fix? I believe that some ring was replaced in the column before > and I almost never use the horn so probably there is some oxidation > built up somewhere. > > William |
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