Horn doesn't work

[aeo]

83 d110, 300tdi

Lights work, turn signals work, just not horn. That has me assuming it is not the switch. How do I check power at the actual horn- when I hook a multimeter up too the purple and black wires there I don't have power. Then I was wondering if that is normal- doesn't matter if ignition is on (accessory) or off, no power. How should I be testing power to the horn and I guess at the switch. Super novice with electrical so keep that in mind. Like kindergarten level of understanding.

Thanks,
Alex

 

[expanse]

At the switch pigtail/connector, under the column clamshell, wiggle the formed connector apart enough to get a probe on the purple/black? horn feed line. press button and see if you get voltage. that'll give you and idea if it's the issue is up or down stream of the switch, or possibly the switch itself. if it gets voltage, see if you can get a continuity between the formed connector and spade connector for the horn. Also don't rule out a trashed spade connector at the horn end.

 

[SaintPanzer]

Let's do easy first: I had a similar problem. Step one was take the connectors off the horn. Then, hit the connectors will electrical cleaner spray, and clean the contacts on the horn (emory paper, scotchbrite pad, eraser, something similar). Reconnect. Test.

Failing that, find a helper. You're right that you can check at the horn for power at the wires, but it's an open circuit unless someone is hitting the switch. So connect the multimeter to the connectors, and have helper press the horn. You should see voltage there.

I agree that it's better to start at the switch to find a short (power to the switch, power after the switch), but the horn is far easier to reach. Clean the contacts, test. If that fails, send power directly to the horn. If that works, you know the horns are good. Rule out trashed spade connector. If everything is working at that end, then go to the switch.

 

[aeo]

Mud season is over and the tourists have arrived. I need a horn.

I connected a new Lucas switch and have the same issue. Turn signals work, lights work, no horn.
No power at the horn with a multimeter.
Also connected a new horn and had no sound either.

My assumption is that something has messed up the power to the horn. Where does the wiring for the horn come through the bulkhead? And is this just one wire? Could I pull a new wire and then be done with this?

 

[expanse]

Have you confirmed if power is coming out of the column switch when you press the button? At the same time, you can test continuity between the pin/plug on the harness (under the clam shell @ column) and the spade terminal at horn.

Does the horn have a healthy ground?

Do you have a test light or power probe?

you can run a new wire but i'd suggest finding the actual issue. could simply be a bad spade terminal or bad ground.

 

[aeo]

Have you confirmed if power is coming out of the column switch when you press the button? At the same time, you can test continuity between the pin/plug on the harness (under the clam shell @ column) and the spade terminal at horn.

Does the horn have a healthy ground?

Do you have a test light or power probe?

you can run a new wire but i'd suggest finding the actual issue. could simply be a bad spade terminal or bad ground.

I'll check power at the column and between the pin/plug. I have no power at the spade terminal or on the bare wire before the spade at the horn.
Where should this be grounded?
Have a test light and a multi-meter.

 

[evilfij]

Horn has a fuse.

Every time my horn failed it was because the switch was corroded. I hit the switch a couple dozen times quickly and it worked again. Failing that, go to the horn, disconnect it, and hot wire it and see if the horn itself is bad. I think the horn has a ground near it, or maybe it grounds via the mount, but I am not sure on an 83. Beyond that, I am of no help. lol.

 

[aeo]

It was the stupid horn. I connected alligator clips to the solder of the wires and had power. Then I cut out the next piggy back and had power there. Tested the old horn. Crickets. New horn= sound. Back in business. Now I need to figure out if I want both high and low (Hella kit) and how to wire those. Are they wire in series or parallel?