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Horn issues

Jonathan_Cole

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May 11, 2020
Messages
154
I just replaced my turn signal switch because one side wasn't working. I also had an issue where the horn would blow when turning but wouldn't work with the button always.

Now, as soon as I put the steering wheel on the horn is activated.

Help please. Tia
 

thegreatjustino

Contributor
Red Head Grease Monkey
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Jan 23, 2002
Messages
16,283
Loc.
Stockton, CA
Is this a stock steering wheel or aftermarket with adapter? If aftermarket, make sure you have the correct adapter for your turn signal switch. The earlier years had two copper prongs, whereas the later years just had one. Using the incorrect adapter will cause the horn constantly blowing issue.
 
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Jonathan_Cole

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May 11, 2020
Messages
154
Is this a stock steering wheel or aftermarket with adapter? If aftermarket, make sure you have the correct adapter for your turn signal switch. The earlier years had two copper prongs, whereas the later years just had one. Using the incorrect adapter will cause the horn constantly blowing issue.

Stock replacement from Dennis Carpenter.

I just stuck the original on, it does the same thing.
 
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Jonathan_Cole

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May 11, 2020
Messages
154
I think I have figured it out (maybe) I put a dab of grease on the contacts to see where they land on the steering wheel. It looks like one of the contacts is either bent or just off center. Both are contacting the outer ring on the steering wheel.
 
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Jonathan_Cole

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May 11, 2020
Messages
154
I think I have figured it out (maybe) I put a dab of grease on the contacts to see where they land on the steering wheel. It looks like one of the contacts is either bent or just off center. Both are contacting the outer ring on the steering wheel.

I contacted Dennis Carpenter and they sent me a replacement switch. I replaced it yesterday and it does the same thing.

I used a thin blade to push one of the horn contacts over to the inner ring on the steering wheel and "thought" I had it fixed. As soon as I turned the steering wheel the horn started blaring again.

If anyone has any insight on this I'd appreciate it.
 

Oldtimer

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The switch was a stock replacement from DC?
As asked above, is the steering wheel stock (what year Bronco), or replacement?
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
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Nov 3, 2003
Messages
51,619
If the steering wheel is dismounted right now, can you get a picture of the back side of it where the horn contact traces are?
And do you still have the old turn signal switch to compare to the new?

Paul
 
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Jonathan_Cole

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May 11, 2020
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https://photos.app.goo.gl/aVcDUoS9Ezjx8E5A8

I don't have a pic of the back of the steering wheel at this time. I did put the old steering wheel on and had the same issue.

If you notice in this picture, the top contact is supposed to be on the inner ring on the steering wheel. The upper contact is touching the outer ring so as soon as the steering wheel is pushed on, the horn blows.

I thought the upper contact was bent. It kinda looks like it goes to the right a bit.

Dennis Carpenter replaced the switch and it does the same thing.
 
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Jonathan_Cole

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May 11, 2020
Messages
154
I'm still not sure where to go with this. I have reached out to Dennis Carpenter three times by email in the past week and haven't received any response.

It looks like I'm on my own with this one.

I think the simplest option is to pull the horn wires and run them to another momentary switch. I don't really like this option but it's likely the easiest.

If someone has a wiring schematic for the plugs below the dash it may be helpful to make sure I have the connections correct.
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
37,073
That blue wire, the one that goes to the slip ring on the steering wheel. Is it grounding out when the contact is pressed in.
Try this, with the steering wheel off, take your finger and press on the contact. If the horn honks as the contact is pressed in, it is an issue with the switch/contact. Probably something as simple as something bent a little or a little out of place.
 
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Jonathan_Cole

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Joined
May 11, 2020
Messages
154
That blue wire, the one that goes to the slip ring on the steering wheel. Is it grounding out when the contact is pressed in.
Try this, with the steering wheel off, take your finger and press on the contact. If the horn honks as the contact is pressed in, it is an issue with the switch/contact. Probably something as simple as something bent a little or a little out of place.

The horn blows as soon as soon as the steering wheel touches the contacts. From what I can see, it appears that the inner contact is too close to the outer contact and hits the outer contact ring on the steering wheel.
 

73azbronco

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Nov 11, 2007
Messages
8,778
so this always had horn blow when you turned? New to you truck? Double check wiring to horn, from horn to steering wheel. Is this a new steering column?
 
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Jonathan_Cole

Full Member
Joined
May 11, 2020
Messages
154
so this always had horn blow when you turned? New to you truck? Double check wiring to horn, from horn to steering wheel. Is this a new steering column?
Original manual column. The only change is I removed and cut down the shaft to add a collapsible lower section to get rid of the bell joint.

Horn was blowing while turning and one side of the turn signal wasn't working. Replaced switch to try to remedy both issues. Now, signal works but horn blows constantly as soon as the steering wheel touches the contacts.
 

Oldtimer

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Can you post pictures of turn signal switch, back side of steering wheel, and grease marks from switch on back of steering wheel?
 

Oldtimer

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Feb 4, 2005
Messages
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Loc.
Sunnyvale, CA
Comparison photos of your's & mine.

YOURS.jpg
MINE.jpg


Brushes appear to be in same location, but maybe your upper brush is a little more outboard?

May have to try a switch from a different manufacture, but I suspect the major Bronco vendors are all selling Dennis Carpenter parts.
 
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Jonathan_Cole

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Joined
May 11, 2020
Messages
154
Comparison photos of your's & mine.

View attachment 913295 View attachment 913296

Brushes appear to be in same location, but maybe your upper brush is a little more outboard?

May have to try a switch from a different manufacture, but I suspect the major Bronco vendors are all selling Dennis Carpenter parts.
The upper is definitely outboard. I put dabs of grease on the contacts and the upper contact landed between the rings on the wheel contacting the outer ring. I can push the upper contact inward while pushing the wheel on but after a few turns of the wheel it works it's way back to its original incorrect position.
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
37,073
I didn't see the 2nd yellow wire. So this is a 2-wire horn setup. I was thinking a single wire horn (with relay). I know Ford went back and forth in the setups and don't remember which is in what year.

Wouldn't be the first time there was an issue with mix and match parts.
 
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