The horn push failed many months ago, so I rigged a push button on the ski slope to sound the horn. It works, but finding the switch really fast isn't all that easy, while pushing on the steering wheel is instinctive. So, I set about trying to fix it.

Took the steering wheel insert off today. I see that in the center of the steering column there is a copper tab, and when the insert is pushed the copper tab contacts the electrical connection in the center of the steering shaft, which closes the circuit to activate the horn.

What isn't obvious to me is how the circuit is closed. Since there is (that I can see) no electrical connection between the steering wheel insert and any other part of the steering wheel assembly, how does this system work?

Pic below.

Thanks,
John
1987 XJ-S V12
75000 miles

 

The horn push contacts the metal inner on that large white plastic nut in the centre of the column. If you take a wire and ground that metal inner of the nut the horn will sound. If your horn-push copper piece is not bent outwards enough from the horn push pad towards that centre metal piece of the plastic nut, then pushing the pad wil not make the horn sound. Try bending it outwards a bit so it makes better contact.