Topic: Horn w/mind of it's own...
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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The horn on my '76 seems to have a "mind of it's own" and periodically will just go on by itself. The only thing I have found that will stop it, is to extend the telescope steering column all the way out. While it stops the horn, it's not the most comfortable position to drive in!
If I push the telescope back in, it doesn't start blowing right away, but eventually it starts and then I have to extend it again.
I've pulled the horn button, removed the rings, and it STILL does the same thing! So I'm thinking it's maybe something in the column? Or could it be the relay?
Any ideas/suggestions on where to get this one figured out would be appreciated. I've heard and read that when it comes to work with/inside a T/T steering system, it's best to leave it to the pro's?
TIA
- Eric
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Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
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Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Sounds like the contact and spring or the ring they touch to complete the circuit. Mine did the same thing. If its similar to 77-82, you may need to remover the wheel to get at the contact assembly. See parts 1-4:
Good luck
Paul 
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Thanks for the reply. I thought that might be the next step. The link you put in your reply doesn't seem to work for me. Is that a step-by-step process to removing the wheel?
http://www.c3vr.com/forum/76-steering-wheel-horn-issue_topic78279.html?KW=steering+wheel
Try this thread. I had a similar problem with my '76 after I took everything apart to replace the ignition switch. I re-did as explained in the post and it works fine now.
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
OK - I think I'll give it a try and take it down as far as I can go. It does seem like it's a short somewhere or wire making contact when telescope is retracted fully.
Question: Is it 'normal' to have more than one shim? When I pulled the horn cap/button and upper contact, there were 3 shims in the assembly. Not sure if that's correct or not?
By shim, do you mean the rings with the three screw holes? I think mine had three....
It's really not too bad. One thing that helped me was going to the Chevy parts counter. The guy was pretty helpful and actually pulled up an exploded view that showed the plastic part I needed. He ordered the part for me and then printed out the diagram and gave it to me for reference....very helpful. If you don't get so lucky I could probably scan it and email it, but it's not a very good reproduction to begin with.
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
[QUOTE=daveo76]By shim, do you mean the rings with the three screw holes? I think mine had three...[/QUOTE]
Yes - that's what I'm talking about. I think I need to get in there and see what's going on. Did you have to use a steering wheel puller to locate the problem?
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
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You most likely have a short in the wiring inside of the column. You stated that it still does it with the horn contact ring out. You're gonna hafta pull the wheel off to get into it to do anything. You will need a puller to get the wheel hub off...
The wiring for the column moves as the wheel is telescoped in/out, and eventually, it causes chaffing on the wires, which can lead to shorts...and horns beeping.
There can be any number of shims on the horn contact...there is no set spec for how many, other than a clearance spec between the horn button, and the wheel hub. Yo add or subtract the shims to get the clearance right, so it doesn't beep accidentally, or not at all.
Good to see ya around, Eric! It's been a while.
The wiring for the column moves as the wheel is telescoped in/out, and eventually, it causes chaffing on the wires, which can lead to shorts...and horns beeping.
There can be any number of shims on the horn contact...there is no set spec for how many, other than a clearance spec between the horn button, and the wheel hub. Yo add or subtract the shims to get the clearance right, so it doesn't beep accidentally, or not at all.
Good to see ya around, Eric! It's been a while.
Joel Adams
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I think Joel is right on this one also..BTW I just got the Error message and had to sign off and on again to make it work!
Rich
Rich
My first parade at Carlisle 2010
Adam -
Thanks for the feedback and info - I think my next stop is to pick up a steering wheel puller and give that a try.
I feel a littel nervous venturing into unchartered waters (for me), but how bad could it be (famous last words) with resources like C3VR!
Glad to be back, Adam! 
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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