When horn works directional signals don't

[keymonkey]

So I'll preface this with the fact that I have already bought the steering column harness and pin puller, however I'm concerned that there might be another cause. So the issue is that my horn and directional signals alternate working. When the directionals work...no horn, when the horn is working then no directionals. I figured some ground has gone wrong in that harness as it is 50 years old, but some confirmation from the folks here would be the positive push I need to be confident that replacing the harness will fix the issue.

 

[m_m70]

What year is your truck? The column wiring changed and a relay for the horn was added in the later models. Helpful to add your trucks info to your signature. You'll get more responses that way.

 

[keymonkey]

What year is your truck? The column wiring changed and a relay for the horn was added in the later models. Helpful to add your trucks info to your signature. You'll get more responses that way.

1974 Bronco Ranger....pretty sure I have the correct harness.

 

[Oldtimer]

Do you do anything to "fix" the one that is not working, or do they randomly trade places?

 

[keymonkey]

Do you do anything to "fix" the one that is not working, or do they randomly trade places?

Replaced the horn relay and traced all the wires back to the steering column. So...i can honk the horn with a ground tap into the relay to ground. I had narrowed it down to the column button, but then my directional went out and the horn worked.

 

[DirtDonk]

The turn signal switch and horn ground contact are in the same module. That would be the turn signal switch, or perhaps it’s the steering column harness that you’re referring to.
The steering column “harness“ is literally one with the turn signal switch itself.
The horn contact button is part of that switch.

I suppose you could test the grounding of the steering column by temporarily attaching a wire to the upper shaft, and the other end to a good body ground.
Then try the horn and turn signals again.
I don’t really see how this would cause the problem you’re having, but when it comes to grounds stranger things have happened!

 

[DirtDonk]

By the way, have you, or perhaps the previous owner, made changes to the column?
New lower shaft perhaps? New steering wheel perhaps?

 

[keymonkey]

By the way, have you, or perhaps the previous owner, made changes to the column?
New lower shaft perhaps? New steering wheel perhaps?

No changes other than the wheel itself, but that was years ago and everything worked. The directionals started to be a little flakey a couple years ago but horn and hazards were fine. Now its like the ground connection is only available to one or the other and they get it randomly. Lost turn signal mid turn last evening but could immediately honk the horn.

 

[DirtDonk]

Unfortunately for diagnosing, the turn signals don’t have any ground in the column or switch.
In fact, as far as I know, only the horn has a ground in the column. Every one of the other circuits are simple pass-throughs using the switch as a simple open closed device.
No ground, just a signal path.

 

[Oldtimer]

When turn signals not working, do brake lights work?

 

[keymonkey]

When turn signals not working, do brake lights work?

Brake lights are working so are hazards and horn atm. No directionals.

 

[Oldtimer]

Hazards & horn are powered all the time.
Turn signal is only powered when key is in ON position (maybe in ACC also).

 

[keymonkey]

Anyone ever pulled the pins from that column socket? I have a pin pull kit but not sure the procedure. Also.....was going to cut one of the wires from the hazard switch and use it as a snake to pull the new harness wires through to the outlet.....any problem with this approach?

 

[Jonathan_Cole]

Anyone ever pulled the pins from that column socket? I have a pin pull kit but not sure the procedure. Also.....was going to cut one of the wires from the hazard switch and use it as a snake to pull the new harness wires through to the outlet.....any problem with this approach?

I think I've done it about 500 times this year.

If you have the little stop sign shaped pin tool it's going to be the smallest tube that fits. Slide it over the pin and pull back slightly on the wire. If it's not released turn the tool and pull back on the wire.

After several times of pulling the shift collar to get the wires back in, I've got to the point that I can get them to go in without tearing it all apart.

Do not zip tie or tape the wires together. They need to be able to lay flat to go through the channel.

 

[keymonkey]

I think I've done it about 500 times this year.

If you have the little stop sign shaped pin tool it's going to be the smallest tube that fits. Slide it over the pin and pull back slightly on the wire. If it's not released turn the tool and pull back on the wire.

After several times of pulling the shift collar to get the wires back in, I've got to the point that I can get them to go in without tearing it all apart.

Do not zip tie or tape the wires together. They need to be able to lay flat to go through the channel.

So as long as I do not loom them someway, using an old wire to snake them out the shaft is ok. Stop sign shaped...hmm....I have a tube shaped one that just fits over the new pin but will look for one with a shaped tube...thanks!

 

[keymonkey]

I think I've done it about 500 times this year.

If you have the little stop sign shaped pin tool it's going to be the smallest tube that fits. Slide it over the pin and pull back slightly on the wire. If it's not released turn the tool and pull back on the wire.

After several times of pulling the shift collar to get the wires back in, I've got to the point that I can get them to go in without tearing it all apart.

Do not zip tie or tape the wires together. They need to be able to lay flat to go through the channel.

Also have to ask..... what's gone so wrong with your column that has made you an expert?

 

[Jonathan_Cole]

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...846c52b0d/lisle-wire-terminal-tool/lis0/56500

This is what I have. You may very well have the correct tool. This one just fits several size pins.

 

[Jonathan_Cole]

Also have to ask..... what's gone so wrong with your column that has made you an expert?

Issues with shift tube, collar and levers.

And prior to that not being able to get the horn to work correctly.

I gave up on that and ran the wires to the washer pump switch on the dash.

 

[keymonkey]

Issues with shift tube, collar and levers.

And prior to that not being able to get the horn to work correctly.

I gave up on that and ran the wires to the washer pump switch on the dash.

Ok....so snatching the pebble from your hand.....how do I not disassemble the shift collar when feeding the wires??

 

[Jonathan_Cole]

Ok....so snatching the pebble from your hand.....how do I not disassemble the shift collar when feeding the wires??

You can feed the wires through the signal housing into the wire channel in the column. It is easier if the signal housing is off, but it can be done.