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Fri Apr 20, 2012 6:37 pm

I am the new owner of a 1979 Vw Bus and i am having trouble getting the horn and brake lights to work.
My fuse panel has three relays in it but i need to know which one is for the horn.
I have one next to the left side near the clutch, one near the middle and the last one almost to the right side of the fuse block. I ordered one that was supposed to be for the horn but it will not fit anywhere in the fuse block. Can anyone steer me in the right direction, also have replaced the old horn with a new one and the turn signal relay already.
Thanks,

Fri Apr 20, 2012 7:29 pm

According to the wiring diagram for '79 there is no horn relay. Positive lead comes from fuse 11 detours on the brake warning light then to the horn. Ground comes from the horn through the steering shaft to the button and grounds to the shaft via a rotation contact I believe on the turn signal switch. The shaft has a ground strap that connects it to the steering box around the rag joint.

Fuse 11 is also for the brake lights. Looks like that is your common factor.

Fri Apr 20, 2012 7:39 pm

Almost a guarantee the small jumper wire that goes over the steering coupler is broken for starters. Also check the contact ring on the bottom of the steering wheel, they can rub through. Try turning the wheel while pressing the horn button (ignition on). If it beeps in certain positions, that's your trouble. If nothing at all, check the wire at the base of the column.

Fri Apr 20, 2012 8:02 pm

VDubTech wrote: Almost a guarantee the small jumper wire that goes over the steering coupler is broken for starters. Also check the contact ring on the bottom of the steering wheel, they can rub through. Try turning the wheel while pressing the horn button (ignition on). If it beeps in certain positions, that's your trouble. If nothing at all, check the wire at the base of the column.

also sometimes the wires to the horn get knocked loose. Unless you have an aftermarket horn there is no relay.

Be sure to check all the fuses and builbs as to the brake lights (and horn). ESPECIALLY fuse #11.

Fri Apr 20, 2012 8:08 pm

SGKent wrote: also sometimes the wires to the horn get knocked loose.
True, I was just going on the assumption that since he already replaced the horn that he also reconnected the wires.

Fri Apr 20, 2012 8:10 pm

VDubTech wrote: SGKent wrote: also sometimes the wires to the horn get knocked loose.
True, I was just going on the assumption that since he already replaced the horn that he also reconnected the wires.

you are correct. I am just rambling.

Sat Apr 21, 2012 5:02 pm

thanks for everyones help.
Like Vdub Tech said the copper tab and the copper ring on the base of the steering wheel were not connecting, after i cleaned both of them up the horn started working.
Thanks again to aal , i am sure i will have to rely on you in the future.