182 horn problem - grrr

[Darren S]

The horn on my 182 doesn't work and clearly is a legal requirement for the MOT! Arse.

So far, I've used a multimeter on the horn fuse connector and a healthy 12v is coming through when the steering wheel button is pressed.

I've tried the multimeter on the single white wire that comes down to the horn assembly and nothing is read - a flat 0.00v.

I've tested the horn (both parts - the low and high frequency units) straight onto the positive output on the battery and they both work fine. So clearly both ends of the horn system work - the steering wheel button and the horns themselves.

WhereTF do I go next? The idea of messing with car electrics fills me with dread - in fact I simply wouldn't touch it. But is there anything obvious I can check on? Maybe the area around the relays next to the battery, etc?

Any ideas or suggestions while there is a bit of daylight left would be much appreciated.

Cheers,
D.

 

[cochy]

Hi there mate , i 've had this problem with my car before and when i was checking it was the comb switch which is what the steering wheel is attach to and all the stock 's and thats what my problem was if you need any help just say as i m a specialist in french cars . ???

 

[jack_davey]

Well you've essentially sorted your own problem by the sounds of it.
There is obviously a break in the wiring between the horn and the fuse, so just keep testing for continuity with your multimeter and find the weak link in the wiring.

 

[Darren S]

Thanks for the responses guys.

Turns out I think I was making a boo-boo when testing the wire to the horn itself. With the help of my m8 Steve who turned up to help (muchos thankyous!) - we retested the wire - this time with me on the horn. I don't think I was making a proper earth contact on - namely the brake disc - what with concentrating on making the positive connection to the wire and reading the multimeter itself - I probably wasn't even touching the brake disc with the other prong.

Turns out the voltage was coming through just under 12v - so at least the wiring was working. We spent the next couple of minutes cleaning the connectors up with wire brushes and placed a smearing of copper grease on the contacts. Connected everything up loosely at first and tried the horn - hey presto, it worked!

Sometimes the problem at hand simply needs another pair of eyes and hands to sort out. :approve:

D.