Horn on intermittently when turning

[VW_Jimbo]

I have a 1970 standard bug, which when the turn signal switch is turned to the right, part way through the turn, the horn chimes in full volume. The horn does not come on at any other point in a left hand turn - only during a right hand turn.

So, I scratched my head and ran a number of circuit integrity test. All of the testing came back with excellent results. No shorts to ground, no loose connectors, no loose strands of copper outside of the crimps. I found nothing with a physical inspection.

With the obvious checking completed, I went ahead and guessed that the steering shaft bearing was having an issue and grounding the shaft on occasion. I had several bugs in the past with similar variables and test results, which after the steering shaft bearing was removed and replaced, the problem went away. So, why not. Ordered the bearing from Jbugs, it arrived. I installed it. Seemed all well and good for a month, then HONKKKKKKKK, half way through a right hand turn! What gives.

Well, today after several searches, I found the problem and thought that I would share what I found. I removed the steering wheel and looked at the assembly. (1st picture) nothing out of the normal. I then flipped the turn signal switch to the right. I first thought that the tension spring that sits on the outside of the switch was somehow was deflecting and making contact with the bottom of the steering wheel - so I taped it down and retested. Still had an issue.

So, I really started to look through the microscope and low and behold, I found a casting defect in the turn signal arm. The defect was a blob of metal which had not been ground down low enough (2nd picture). It was high enough that when the switch was flipped for right it would contact the cancelling ring on the bottom of the steering wheel.

Removed the switch (3rd picture) and craved the defect off of the signal arm. Blew the assembly out with compressed air and reassembled everything (4th picture). Went for a drive and had NO ISSUES!!!

Wanted to share this little tidbit of information and ask if anyone else has had a similar experience with their turn signal switches?

[helowrench]

I am fighting nearly the same issue with my Ghia, you bet I will be taking a look.
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Current VWs:
70 bug vert for wifey
73Thing bucket o rust
73 914 1.7
12 Passat 2.5 Highway cruiser

[vamram]

VW Jimbo - thanks for this post, i'm getting the same intermittent issue and I'm pretty sure it's the after market turn signal switch as you found that's the cause. Haven't taken it apart yet however.

Can you possibly re-post the picture w/the blob that you ground down circled? I'm having a hard time making it out.

Thanks!
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[Cusser]

[gt1953]

What is happening is the nylon spacer in the steering wheel upper bearing area is worn out.
Watch this video the thing I am talking about is at 3:25 to 3:30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s02nPu194KM


http://www.jbugs.com/product/111-535D.html
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Volkswagen: We tune what we drive.
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72 type 1
72 Squareback
({59 Euro bug, 62, 63, 67, 68, 69, 73 type ones 68 & 69 type two, 68 Ghia all sold})

[AlmostHeavenWV_VW]

Resurrection of an old thread, but I had an issue with the horn randomly honking at times. This might be the answer, I'll know when I replace my turn signal switch (it broke on me the other day PO had replaced it, but I suspect it's an aftermarket.- lucky for me he left the OG switch in his box'o'parts that he gave me used OEM german potentially to the rescue)


Also to answer the question that may have already been figured out: in the 2nd picture (with the switch on the columm) the 'blob' in on the inner side of the switch at approx. 11 o clock.

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[VW_Jimbo]