Horn Pad

SirHenry · 19-04-2009, 05:38 PM

Heyas,

I seem to have a problem with a faulty horn I have been told its the horn pad and needs to be replaced (plus I like my cruise control and the horn relay controls that too :( )

I have been told that the horn pad and airbag are one unit and cannot be bought separately is this right or what? I don't really feel like paying $500 for an airbag and horn pad when my airbag is perfectly fine....

Just thought I'd tap the knowledge pool and see whats fact and whats b/s.

Cheers,

Chris

gust98 · 19-04-2009, 06:08 PM

you need to change your clock spring and their one on ebay i know cause im selling it

JC · 19-04-2009, 06:14 PM

If it's the horn, then yes, you need to replace the complete airbag assembly. Or just fix the horn using momentary off/on buttons.

SirHenry · 19-04-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

If it's the horn, then yes, you need to replace the complete airbag assembly. Or just fix the horn using momentary off/on buttons.

Bugger!

Hey JC what are momentary off/on buttons is it like a separate switch?

JC · 19-04-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirHenry

Bugger!

Hey JC what are momentary off/on buttons is it like a separate switch?

Yep, momentary means it's only on while you press it (not like a normal switch that will alternate between on and off with each press).

The same thing happened to mine on a previous AU and I just made my own switch, disconnecting the factory horn pad. I used a little momentary red switch from Dick Smith/Jaycar. Finding a way to mount it is the hardest thing, but there's plenty off room next to the airbag and cable ties work well.

SirHenry · 19-04-2009, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

Yep, momentary means it's only on while you press it (not like a normal switch that will alternate between on and off with each press).

The same thing happened to mine on a previous AU and I just made my own switch, disconnecting the factory horn pad. I used a little momentary red switch from Dick Smith/Jaycar. Finding a way to mount it is the hardest thing, but there's plenty off room next to the airbag and cable ties work well.

Cool thanks might have a go at that, 'cause I don't feel like forking out $500 for a new airbag when I don't need one.

gust98 · 19-04-2009, 09:00 PM

if your horn and cruise control have gone walkabout it will be the clock spring this is a part in behind the steering wheel that allows the steering wheel to turn with out twisting up the wires yes jc it could be the horn pad but highly unlikely and would you run new wires from the horn and drill holes in your dash for a button that would look like **** i like forums but i dont like post huggers who just type for the hell of it

JC · 19-04-2009, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gust98

if your horn and cruise control have gone walkabout it will be the clock spring this is a part in behind the steering wheel that allows the steering wheel to turn with out twisting up the wires yes jc it could be the horn pad but highly unlikely and would you run new wires from the horn and drill holes in your dash for a button that would look like **** i like forums but i dont like post huggers who just type for the hell of it

Nice post newbie. It doesn't say anywhere his cruise doesn't work. It says he has had the problem diagnosed (I assume by a pro) as the horn pad. In the past, I have had the same problem, and I fixed it. I can even post up a pic if you like, and it doesn't involved drilling holes in anything. So guess what..... "I like forums but I don't like post huggers (that's you) who just type for the hell of it".

gust98 · 19-04-2009, 09:39 PM

right mate like said post for no reason and just have a read of the first post and i waiting for my appoliges "newbie" haha

JC · 19-04-2009, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gust98

right mate like said post for no reason and just have a read of the first post and i waiting for my apologies "newbie" haha

Well, if it is the clock spring (let's assume for a minute)...how would you suggest he fix it? I have successfully fixed one of them too. Soldering the tiny little wires on the ribbon is hard, but not impossible.

So, SirHenry, best way to diagnose this:

1. Look up your owners manual and remove the ABS fuse(s). If it's an AU1, they should be fuse 17 and 21.

2. Undo the airbag assembly from the steering wheel. You will need a number 27 5 sided torx bit to do this (GK has a write up somewhere that details the steps).

3. Turn the airbag over, and disconnect the red connector.

4. Get a piece of wire an use it to short the two wires on the plug (not the plug on the airbag end - the other one).

5. If the horn sounds, then I would say that the clock spring is OK. If it doesn't, then the clock spring is buggered.

Some may say an easy way to check is if your cruise works, but your cruise might not work due to a tail-light globe not working (You could check that first too, of course).

If it is the horn pad, I can send you some pics of how to get the horn working again. Or you can check eBay from time to time for an airbag assembly.

If it is the clock spring, and you are not confident in fixing it, then replace it (a second hand one from the wreckers would do the trick).

gust98 · 19-04-2009, 10:11 PM

nice apology JC although bit long winded

_2:

SirHenry · 19-04-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

Nice post newbie. It doesn't say anywhere his cruise doesn't work. It says he has had the problem diagnosed (I assume by a pro) as the horn pad. In the past, I have had the same problem, and I fixed it. I can even post up a pic if you like, and it doesn't involved drilling holes in anything. So guess what..... "I like forums but I don't like post huggers (that's you) who just type for the hell of it".

Sorry should have put that in my original post Its a 2000 Series 1 AU Classic

Yep problem definitely has definitely been diagnosed by one of the best, the only reason my cruise control doesn't work is because we took the fuse out as an interim measure to stop it blaring. The most likely culprit is believed to be one or more of the "buttons?" not working correctly.

Other bad bit is disconnecting the battery to fix it, damn thing doesn't work manually resetting the ECU it seems to need Ford to reset it.

gust98 · 19-04-2009, 10:24 PM

well then i apologise too

JC · 19-04-2009, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gust98

nice apology JC although bit long winded

_2:

You're not the first to call me long winded (nor the last).

blownv8au · 20-04-2009, 01:42 AM

i had the same thing happen but i disconnected wires directly from horn i haven't bothered fixing mine though i use my fingers instead lol.

whiskers · 20-04-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirHenry

Heyas,
I have been told that the horn pad and airbag are one unit and cannot be bought separately is this right or what? I don't really feel like paying $500 for an airbag and horn pad when my airbag is perfectly fine....

As you have asked You cannot but them separately but they do pop up on ebay or even try the wreckers. Not sure of the cost noe but mine was about $100.

This exact same thing happened to my series 1 about 2 years ago I bought a "horn pad assembly" took it to a auto elec and about 20 mins later drove out with a working horn. They asked if they could keep the old one to show the apprentices what happens with the air bags when they go off.