Hi Guys, new here, got a weird thing going on. The horn works when you hit the button to lock the truck but when you try the horn at the wheel, nothing. Recently had to have the airbag clockspring and horn contact replaced due to another matter. Checked the fuse and it's good. Any idea why it wouldnt work? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
hemicharger06
Not sure about your model but sometimes they have separate horns for the alarm which it prob the horn you hear when you lock it. If you recently had work done to it and now it doesn't work id say they did something wrong! Can you take it back to them?
My truck is a 2004 Silverado LS 4x4. The horn didn't work when I bought it but the dealer I took it too had to replace the contact for the horn at the wheel. They wanted another $112 just to keep looking at it and I figured I could fix it myself. I figured it was just a fuse or something but there was only 1 fuse for the horn. I checked the inside and under hood fuse blocks, it was in the under hood block with a horn relay but that was it. 15A fuse was good. I guess now it would be the wiring?
More than likely it is the horn switch in the steering wheel. Mine is intermittent in cole weather on my 2004. Could also be related to the broken clock spring repair. Why did that go bad?
Long story, bought the truck from an independent dealer and on the way home, the intermidiate shaft connecting the axle to the steering column came completely off. Luckily I wasnt moving very fast when it happened. I was able to get it back together and get it to a Chevy dealer and apparently if that happens the clockspring is either damaged or breaks. So the dealer I bought it from paid for that part and the new horn contact and the labor to fix it and make sure I put it back together right. Turns out it was some moron working at Les Schwab that did a front end alignment the week before that forgot to put that shaft on there right. So if the dealer already replaced the horn contact is there something else in the wheel that's part of it? I would assume that the dealer put everything together correctly when they were in there, but that may not be the case. I dont use the horn all that often, mostly yelling at people that have no business being on the road. I mostly use it just to make sure I locked the truck and since that's working I may not even bother with it any more. But still would be nice to have a truck that was fully functioning. Thanks for all the reply's I love these forums, you can't tap so much knowledge. Appreciate all the sharing.
If you wanted to tackle it, the air bag can be removed and underneith is a wire harness you have to disconnect that is for the horn. I forgot the wire colors. If you use a fused jumper wire, you can ground that wire coming from the steering column and the horn should make the relay click and the horn will sound. If it passes this test, then your horn switch is bad. I believe that is a serviceable part on the back of the airbag assembly. The switch shouldn't cost that much. If it fails this test, then you need to do the same ground the wire test at the base of the steering column.
Izn197, I thought it wasn't safe to work on the airbag system without being certified due to the fact that the airbag could accidently go off. Has that changed with the newer trucks? I personally would be worried about that thing sucker punching me while I was pulling it out even with the battery and fuses pulled, but if that isn't the truth anymore maybe I will that could change my mind.
Gordon is a mechanic, and could probably do this one in his sleep. For the rest of us, I would highly recommend letting a pro do anything related to air bag and steering column work. Just my $0.02.
EKinMN, I agree with you completely on all accounts. I just wanted to clarify before someone gets a high speed surprise due to lack of experience. I am sure it is not rocket science but training and experience like what Gordon has takes away a lot of risk and frayed nerves that someone like myself would have.
guys i'm having the same problem. Truck is on 03LS. Bought it used last fall. Today I think is the first time I tried to use the horn other than locking (which works just fine). I've done some searching and it looks like there could be 2 horns? does anybody know?
also to the OP, did you get it fixed and if by a dealer how much did it cost? I need a working horn to pass inspection, and honestly while it doesn't stop my truck from driving, i'm surprised you'd be ok with driving without a horn.
also to the OP, did you get it fixed and if by a dealer how much did it cost? I need a working horn to pass inspection, and honestly while it doesn't stop my truck from driving, i'm surprised you'd be ok with driving without a horn.
More than likely it is the horn switch in the steering wheel. The air bag will have to be removed and the switch can be removed.
Had the same problem. Talked to the dealer I purchased the truck from about replacing the clock spring for me due to the airbag. They told me it would probably be about $700.00, I thought they were crazy. Out of frustration I just kept pressing the horn, after doing sever time the horn started working. Living in a rural area I rarely need to use the horn. If I don't use the horn often it goes back to the same problem. Not I toot the horn on a regular basis. Give it a try.
I looked at a lot of message boards trying to find a solution to my sometimes working horn that finally quit. The problem was very simple and basic and I didn't see anyone mention it so I wanted to share. The turn signal cancel cam on my 2006 Silverado doubles as the horn contact ring and sends signal to the horn through a spring loaded nipple in the turn signal stalk. After 230,000+ miles the brass nipple cut a groove in the copper contact ring and they were both somewhat oxidized/corroded. Replaced both items and it works like new. Easy to test by removing the plastic top column cover and jumping a wire from the brass nipple to ground.
Note, you want to be somewhat careful w spraying cleaner, and/or re-lubricate stuff, as I know there's a ground pin on the turn stalk assembly in the steering column. The pin is spring-loaded, and presses against a metal strip on the back of the steering wheel. If you clean off the lube from the pin/metal strip, the pin will wear out and then you have to replace the turn signal assembly to get it working again.
And take a comfortable coffee break. Disconnect battery terminals, touch them together/hold them together while you work. Remember, this is a SAFETY device and has components in it that will fire the airbag, even with no battery voltage. It takes TIME for the capacitors to discharge. How long? Make that two cups of coffee and a donut. Don't rush.
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