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speedystar77
Samba Member
Joined: June 26, 2015
Posts: 76
Location: South Central Idaho
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 Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 7:32 am Post subject: Variable Horn Problems |
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I am a new owner of a 1974 VW bus but it has some problems. I'm getting 12 volts to my horn even when the horn button wire is disconnected. When the horn button wire is connected I still get 12 volts in certain steering wheel positions without pushing the button. I'm thinking I have a ground somehow at the bottom of the steering column but I'm not sure how to approach it. Do I need to remove the whole steering column or can the worm spindle come free from underneath without removing the steering column?
Also, the brand new horn sounded when I first connected the wires but now only clunks softly when 12 volts is applied. Did I burn it out or is it defective or can it be adjusted?
Thanks in advance-love this site! |
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aeromech
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Joined: January 24, 2006
Posts: 16971
Location: San Diego, California
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| Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 7:50 am Post subject: |
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Horns are wired hot with 12 volts. The ground is through your horn button. I hate horn wiring.
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Brian
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Joined: May 28, 2012
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Location: Oceanside
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| Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 8:21 am Post subject: |
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Here's a diagram from a bug, just cause it's easier to read. The black/yellow wire goes from the fuse box to the horn. The horn then gets grounded when you push the horn button.
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busdaddy
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Joined: February 12, 2004
Posts: 51149
Location: Surrey B.C. Canada, but thinking of Ukraine
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| Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 9:20 am Post subject: |
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The first thing we need to know is whether this is an early 74 with the separate wiper/signal switch?, or a later one with the wiper/signal integrated into the ignition pod?
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1967250s
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Joined: May 02, 2007
Posts: 2137
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| Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 10:34 am Post subject: |
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You already know that the horn is wired hot, but what you need to know is the grounding wire from the horn connects to the steering tube between your knees. If the steering column/tube or steering wheel contacts anywhere to a grounded piece, you will have intermittant grounding a horn blowing. You need to check the bottom and top of the tube are completely insulated. There is a plastic piece at the bottom and a rubber donut inside the upper mount the tube up top that insulate the tube from grounding. Also, be sure you don't have a long dangly set of KEYS. They can contact the tube and do the same thing as they swing around.
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speedystar77
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Joined: June 26, 2015
Posts: 76
Location: South Central Idaho
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| Posted: Thu Jul 02, 2015 11:46 am Post subject: |
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| 1967250s wrote: |
| You already know that the horn is wired hot, but what you need to know is the grounding wire from the horn connects to the steering tube between your knees. If the steering column/tube or steering wheel contacts anywhere to a grounded piece, you will have intermittant grounding a horn blowing. You need to check the bottom and top of the tube are completely insulated. There is a plastic piece at the bottom and a rubber donut inside the upper mount the tube up top that insulate the tube from grounding. Also, be sure you don't have a long dangly set of KEYS. They can contact the tube and do the same thing as they swing around. |
This sounds like my problem-I notice I can send 12 volts to the horn by just putting a little pressure on the steering wheel. From underneath, the column is not centered in the tube and there is a little front/back play in the column. I'll look to see what can be tightened to recenter the column and keep it from grounding inadvertently. Thanks.
Any ideas about the horn itself? Anyone have success restoring sound with the adjustment screw under the sealant plug? |
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1967250s
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Joined: May 02, 2007
Posts: 2137
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2015 10:01 am Post subject: |
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It is possible to tune the horn on the old originals. Turn the screw in and out until you like it. Forget which way, doesn't really matter. it is really just a big vibrator 
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Tcash
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Location: San Jose, California, USA
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speedystar77
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Joined: June 26, 2015
Posts: 76
Location: South Central Idaho
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| Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2015 5:56 pm Post subject: |
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Got it working!
The 4 bolts holding the steering column bracket at the top were loose and I could find a position (pulling the wheel toward the seat) that minimized the unwanted ground. I had to loosen the two screws at the floor between the pedals to find a position that finally eliminated the ground. Tightened everything and now the horn button works as it should.
Waiting to talk to supplier before trying to adjust horn screw in case it voids any warranty.
Thanks again for the help!! |
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