My 2007 Chevy 2500 has experienced horn failure. My mechanic has diagnosed (correctly, I believe) that the problem is the switch in the steering wheel. To replace the switch could cost me almost $400. There is apparently a master switch in there that controls all sorts of things besides the horn. The steering column would have to be disassembled to put this expensive part in there. As an alternative, I could run a fused wire to a switch anywhere within easy reach of the driver (TX requirement) and then run a wire to the horn. This would be a lot cheaper as I could do it myself and not involve this expensive part. It might look a little tacky but it will not be the worst looking thing in the truck. The driver holds that distinction. My question is whether or not I am setting myself up to still have the switch replaced later or will I solve my problem? Do other things start going wrong with these switches once the first failure occurs? Is it possible my air-bag is inoperative even now without my knowledge? My truck will need to pass inspection in just 2 months (that means there has to be a working horn) so I need an answer pretty quick. Thanks, Jeff Pine
The horn is part of the multi-function switch. My advice is, if the horn part of the switch has failed the other circuits controlled by the switch will also start to fail.
Replace the switch.
Tester
You could probably pass inspection by adding your own horn button. I did this once. Be sure to inform the inspector about it. In fact, demonstrate for him. As to the other circuits, they may be OK and last a long time. I don’t think there is any airbag control in the multifunction switch itself. If everything else works, you can get by with just an auxiliary horn button.
Horn contacts are often available separately. Look into it. If so, it involves removing the airbag, NOT total disassembly of the steering column.
I’ll look in the factory service manual tomorrow and let you know.
It is both legal and safe to drive with the horn operated by pulling a chain strung over the drivers head. If someone knowledgeable and capable can properly install a reliable switch in a convenient location that is satisfactory to you and the inspectors then go for it. But a shade tree mechanic might get in over their head and cause some costly problems with the air-bag clock spring and its wiring that costs considerably more than $400.
You lose nothing by hooking up a secondary horn button. If other switches on your steering wheel fail, you can always replace the assembly later.
I don’t have a wiring diagram here but if you can access one and figure out how to wire in a horn button in a neat and safe manner I say go for it. Shouldn’t cost you very much for parts and if your time isn’t an issue you’ll save some money.
Makes me glad (once again) that I don’t have to deal with safety inspections where I live.
If you knew how the horn switch worked, in no way could you rig something up to where it would pass a safety inspection.
Replace the multi-function switch and get it over with.
Tester
Oh, I know how the horn is wired. That’s why I suggested a wiring diagram and made the comment that time isn’t an issue. I think a mechanically inclined guy could get this done in half a day or so. For some people money is more valuable than time.
Didn’t think about the added wiring needs to pass safety. I figured he just needs a working horn. Or move somewhere where they don’t care about a horn.
I consider a working horn an absolute necessity.
The other day some idiot was backing his car up and had no idea my car was behind him.
I honked the horn several times. Loud and hard.
It worked.
I saw him “snap out of it” and he stopped backing up.
Without a working horn, he would have taken out my front bumper.
Isn’t using your horn illegal in certain areas in Europe? I wish it were illegal here much of the time. Especially since my neighbors have friends and relatives that haven’t mastered more esoteric forms of communication such as waving or making a cell phone call and must honk repeatedly to signal their arrival, departure, and apparently that it’s another day where the sun came up again.
is the air bag light on ?if it is i would replace the clock spring
A bumper sticker on several cars in the D.C. area last year; HORN BROKEN-WATCH FOR FINGER.
Most horns are operated with a relay. The horn button grounds the control coil, triggering the relay to close, sending current to the horns. Installing a switch is quite simple and is somewhat fool proof as no fuse is needed. Of course, the OP’s horn may operate directly off the switch with no relay. That’s why a wiring diagram and a basic understanding of electrical schematics is a great benefit. I have seen shade tree mechanics replace entire steering columns to avoid the problems involved with dismantling and reassembling the air bag and multi function switch system.
"A Horny Question"
That will get you a lot of reads…
I appreciate all of the feedback, guys. I have a couple months to decide. I DO miss my horn though. Where ever you are, there is at least ONE of THOSE drivers! I should be careful here. I would bet that at least once someone thought that about me. Right now I am leaning towards the $20 fix of putting an auxillary button somewhere. The thing that bothers me most about that is the holes left by the screws should I ever replace the big switch. I don’t have a wiring diagram. I can read some of them but I have also seen some that left me slack-jawwed. Where can I down-load a simple horn-specific one?
I have a friend who lives in in Texas. And correct me if I’m wrong, but from what he says all safety equipment on the vehicle must operate as intended by the vehicle manufacturer. So for example, if the parking brake doesn’t work, getting out and putting a brick under a tire won’t pass the safety inspection.
Ergo, if the horn doesn’t work thru the normal operation, the vehicle fails the safety inspection?
Tester
@ChiefPine I looked in the factory service manual for your truck today.
The horn contacts are under the airbag, and appear to be available separately.
I also looked at the wiring diagram and the multifunction switch has nothing to do with the horn.
I personally would rather spend a few bucks and get the correct horn switch , if somebody can diagnose it as the problem.
I would not mess with the multifunction switch. It appears to have nothing to do with the horn, and it’s a bit of work to replace.