Horn Honks When Steering Wheel Turned

[dsc]

Sorry if this question has been answered a hundred times already. I searched, but couldn't find it.

 

1995 GMC Suburban 1500 350 4wd auto trans

 

The horn honks when the steering wheel is turned. Not every time, but about every third time. My first guess was short circuit somewhere.

 

Is this a well-known problem?

 

Thanks for any assistance.

[old-chevy-dude]

most likely a short in the steering wheel clock spring. (the device that allows the wheel to turn while maintaining the electrical contacts. for the horn/airbag/steering controls/cruise controls).

 

 

can't speak for GM, but I have change many on Chrysler's, they are usually < $100 and take about 20 minutes to change for a competent machanic, and you may need to have the steering angle sensors recalibrated after (should be part of the install)..

 

@ a dealer probably $300, but you can do it yourself with a service manual and the parts.

[dsc]

most likely a short in the steering wheel clock spring. (the device that allows the wheel to turn while maintaining the electrical contacts. for the horn/airbag/steering controls/cruise controls).

 

 

can't speak for GM, but I have change many on Chrysler's, they are usually < $100 and take about 20 minutes to change for a competent machanic, and you may need to have the steering angle sensors recalibrated after (should be part of the install)..

 

@ a dealer probably $300, but you can do it yourself with a service manual and the parts.

 

Thanks very much. Are special tools needed?

[TexasAl]

I did a quick search, and is seems fairly easy. Here are the directions to replace the clock spring:

 

A Clock Spring Can Be Replaced in 10 Easy Steps

1. Remove the negative battery cable – Allow 2-3 minutes for the reserve current to bleed down before removing the air bag.

2. Remove the steering column trim cover.

3. Remove the air bag mounting bolts.

4. Disconnect the wiring harness from the air bag module.

5. Remove the air bag.

6. Remove the center nut from the steering column.

7. Remove the steering wheel dampener.

8. Using a steering wheel puller, remove the steering wheel.

9. Remove the clock spring attaching hardware and wiring harness.

10. Remove the clock spring.

 

(I got this info online. I didn't come up with it). Good Luck!

[TexasAl]

By the way, you can borrow a steering wheel puller at autozone for free (just leave a deposit for the tool).

[dsc]

By the way, you can borrow a steering wheel puller at autozone for free (just leave a deposit for the tool).

 

Thanks again.