Electrical question

[crofty]

I searched but didn't see anything specific to my problem. In my '73 when I hit the high beam switch it will trigger the relay BUT it also honks the horn! Also if I push my steering wheel in (towards the front end) I can trip the relay for the high beams.

I have replaced the turn signal switch though the problem existed before I did that.

Is there a coupler or bushing in the steering column? Mine seems to have a little play left to right up and down.
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Your Vanagon sucks, Stop waving at me.

[uberautowerks]

I would guess that the wires to the parts in question are reversed in some way, but not as simple as the horn button and the hi beam switch. You stated that the horn honks... just the once or does it stay on?
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As to the rattle or play, yes there is a bushing between the steering shaft and the upper bearing. The upper bearing is just "Behind" the steering wheel.
Part # 175-419-341 A
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As a side note, I have that bushing in stock, $8.50 shipped.
_________________
--- The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair.
- Douglas Adams -
---
'74 Thing (White)
'71 Single cab (White too)
'70 Weekender (White three)
'05 Evolution VIII (White also!!!)
'68 F-250 (White over black)

[Ron Domeck]

First replace all fuses and clean the fuse holder. There is and adjustment on the steering column, 2 bolts inder the dash. Sounds like the switch is to close to the steering wheel

[crofty]

[uberautowerks]

I think Ron might be on the right track. The contacts for the Hi Low switch are on the left side of the signal switch and are exposed to the back of the wheel hub. If the wheel is too close to the switch you could make contact with the horn contact. Your comment about pushing the wheel forward tells me the same thing.
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So... you need to move the wheel away from the column a bit. There are two adjustments.
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The first is the two bolts that Ron spoke off. These are the same two bolts that hold the column to the body, under the dash, just behind the switches. Loosen the two bolts and push/ wiggle the column towards the front of the car perhaps only a 1/16", then tighten the bolts.
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If that works, the horn and highs are separate, great!
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If not or if you need more adjustment ask and I detail the other procedure.
_________________
--- The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair.
- Douglas Adams -
---
'74 Thing (White)
'71 Single cab (White too)
'70 Weekender (White three)
'05 Evolution VIII (White also!!!)
'68 F-250 (White over black)

[uberautowerks]

I missed your second question...
The plastic bushing goes between the brass and the shaft, or perhaps someone "Made" something to try and replace the bushing.
_________________
--- The major difference between a thing that might go wrong and a thing that cannot possibly go wrong is that when a thing that cannot possibly go wrong goes wrong it usually turns out to be impossible to get at and repair.
- Douglas Adams -
---
'74 Thing (White)
'71 Single cab (White too)
'70 Weekender (White three)
'05 Evolution VIII (White also!!!)
'68 F-250 (White over black)

[crofty]

[kme_eone]

Did you take the steering wheel off? I had mine off and decided to clean the conacts for the turn signal arm and wiper arm and found copper shavings there. I just used some compressed air and some corrosion X.
I am glad you found out what the cause was. Happy driving.
_________________
Chris Blankenship
South Wind parts and service
907-276-3397
Anchorage, AK