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Topic: Intermittent Horn Issue (Read 1478 times) previous topic - next topic

Intermittent Horn Issue

The horn on my '90 Golf is intermittent, in most cases it will work fine. When I take it to the test centre and it has been driven for say 30 minutes, if I then leave the car running idle it will typically fail. I've tried turning the wheel and then pressing the horn but to no avail. Typically I'll then drive 5 minutes up the road and it will work again fine.

Any suggestions?

Thnaks,

Re: Intermittent Horn Issue

Reply #1 –
I had a similar problem turns out it was a relay loose in the fuse box. Can't remember which one but is identified in hayne's manual.

Re: Intermittent Horn Issue

Reply #2 –
Do you have the original steering wheel fitted or an aftermarket one?

When I bought my current Golf it had a crappy boss fitted with an aftermarket steering wheel. The horn ring didn't make great contact so only worked occasionally. I still have an aftermarket wheel fitted, but a decent brand one with a better quality boss.

Re: Intermittent Horn Issue

Reply #3 –
it is the original steering wheel - I did hear the contacts can get dirty and may need cleaning. Does the square button that is pressed pull off with the aid of a screw driver?

Re: Intermittent Horn Issue

Reply #4 –
The button is held in with plastic studs you should be able to remove with your hand.

Re: Intermittent Horn Issue

Reply #5 –
Tried the car today, after a run in very warm heat the horn stopped working as befirr, it then worked once then again the problem returned. When it wasn't working it wasn't totally dead but sounded very weak, as if the battery was dead, which is isn't. Only noticed this once engine was not running.

Not sure if that helps identify the issue?

Re: Intermittent Horn Issue

Reply #6 –
.. Also popped the button off the steering wheel, the contact and look clean and no corrosion, when I make the black and brown directly I get the same weak parpaing sound.

Checked the fuse for the horn which is fine and confirmed that this golf doesn't have a relay for the horn.

Starting to wonder if the horn itself isn't faulty.

Re: Intermittent Horn Issue

Reply #7 –
Disconnected the horn and checked with a multi meter and I have voltage as the horn is pressed. I then connected the horn directly to the battery and it worked so I am really confused now.

Re: Intermittent Horn Issue

Reply #8 –
Just replace the horn itself. I’m not sure how the internals of the horn work, but I suspect they are corroded/worn/perished/seized. If you have access to another car you could just borrow a horn to test. But if the button is fine and you have a connection it’s the only thing left, and I imagine a generic horn will be cheap enough

Re: Intermittent Horn Issue

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Spacebiscuit on
Quote from: Eddypeck on
Just replace the horn itself.

Given that when i connected the horn directly to the he battery does this not rule out a faulty horn?

Yeah I realised that after answering which is why I thought about the earth as I presume you removed the horn from the car and brought it to the battery?

Re: Intermittent Horn Issue

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Eddypeck on
Quote from: Spacebiscuit on
Quote from: Eddypeck on
Just replace the horn itself.

Given that when i connected the horn directly to the he battery does this not rule out a faulty horn?

Yeah I realised that after answering which is why I thought about the earth as I presume you removed the horn from the car and brought it to the battery?

Yeah did that exactly, removed it entirely and put temporary wire to horn and it worked.

A few years ago I had some starting issues, local garage I think fitted a hot start relay. I am wondering if this might be what is required here too...
 

Re: Intermittent Horn Issue

Reply #14 –
So in the end I took it to a local garage, they fitted a new horn and they have run a wire to the live terminal on the battery, presumably by-passing the problematic live feed. The horn works well now and got through its annual inspection which was the end goal.