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Hooter not functioning

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Good day everyone.

I am currently trying to get my 1984 Jetta GLi up to snuff, after a dubious mechanic stuffed me around for two years and I gave him the boot once the engine was back in the car, not running. Thankfully I was able to get her running, and have now turned my eyes to the electrics.
When i bought the car there was a ridiculous set of horns which: A) Actually looked like horns, and B) Played a tune. Suffice is to say that I removed them immediately. Two years later and I'm now trying to get the original dual tone horns working.
I've tested both horns and they work. I've replaced the associated fuse and the relay. I've checked the earth wire on the steering rack, so all seems correct. There is permanent live going in the black and yellow wires to the horns. I do not notice the relay clicking at all.
On the wheel (wolfsburg edition), the wire connecting to the brass ring at the back has continuity and the ring seems to contact the brass tab on the column. Still nothing. Somewhat at a loss, and wondering if anyone has any ideas?

Many thanks to all.

Theo

Last edit: by rapanosgertsch

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The horns on VW have 12V on them all times.
VW used a switched ground from the relay to honk.

Screen Shot 2024-10-23 at 10.16.33 PM.png

What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

Where are my DIY Links?

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Briano1234 said

The horns on VW have 12V on them all times.
VW used a switched ground from the relay to honk.

Screen Shot 2024-10-23 at 10.16.33 PM.png

Thanks a lot. I will try trace all the wires and see where that gets me.

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I forgot that the most common point of failure is the
ground wire from the Steering rack mount over to the top of the steering shaft  gear box shaft being pulled out of the crimp or the wire breaking.

Screen Shot 2024-10-25 at 7.30.46 AM.png

It sets the inner shaft at ground potential to operate the buttons that pick the relay for the horns to power up and connect grounds to the horns.

What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

Where are my DIY Links?

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Briano1234 said

I forgot that the most common point of failure is the
ground wire from the Steering rack mount over to the top of the steering shaft  gear box shaft being pulled out of the crimp or the wire breaking.

Screen Shot 2024-10-25 at 7.30.46 AM.png

It sets the inner shaft at ground potential to operate the buttons, that pick the relay for the horns to power up and connect grounds to the horns.


Yes, thanks I've just managed to get the top screw out and clean the connector. The lower one though has proven a challenge as the exhaust is slap bang in the way. A little ingenuity and summoning of energy will be required to get it off.
Appreciate the help.

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Briano1234 said

I forgot that the most common point of failure is the
ground wire from the Steering rack mount over to the top of the steering shaft  gear box shaft being pulled out of the crimp or the wire breaking.

Screen Shot 2024-10-25 at 7.30.46 AM.png

It sets the inner shaft at ground potential to operate the buttons, that pick the relay for the horns to power up and connect grounds to the horns.

Thanks mate. finally got it to work. turns out it was getting no power to pin 86 (solenoid circuit). the black power wire from the horn harness at the back of the fusebox lead to a random bunch of individual pins. the one it was plugged onto had no power, the one next to it did. hey presto!

Thanks again horn fusebox.png

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You're Welcome. Thanks for letting us know the resolution…. You did all the work.   GOOD JOB.

What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

Where are my DIY Links?

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Now add one of these instead of the regular horns.
I did this to all of my cars, as it makes folk pay heed.

Screen Shot 2024-10-25 at 12.53.48 PM.png


What do Divorces, Great Coffee, and Car Electrics all have in common?

They all start with GOOD Grounds.

Where are my DIY Links?

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As Briano1234 says, nice to get a resolution post. It helps others (me!!!) solve things when they occur.

My horn is working but a little quiet, I don't think all the earths are quite clean enough - probably degreased after being in the bodyshop for 2 years!! It's a job next time it's on Bert 's lift. 😉😊
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