Horn and Emergency Flashers

Torxx · Post by **Torxx** » Mon Sep 11, 2006 8:23 pm

Any suggestions on most probable resaons why the horn does not work and seperate issue, the emerg. flashers do no work. (flasher button does not stay depressed, should it?)

'79 Spider

Thanks

deriley · Post by **deriley** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 8:09 am

Most likely your flasher switch is broken, this happened to mine, once I changed the switch it worked fine and the bonus is now my blinkers work.
My horn also doesn't blow, I know the horn blows, I took it out and checked it at the battery, so mine must be at the wiring or something.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 10:23 am

a common problem with the horns is the contacts on the bottom of the steering wheel. But, always check the fuses first! Loose, corroded contacts are common at the fuse box

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 12:25 pm

Torxx,

Your E switch is defective.

Just so happens that I just went thru the E switch issue. Here are the suggested fixes I have encountered, or implimented:

1. Stick a toothpick into the switch. This will jam it into the off position. This fix can be done as temporary or as permanent.
2. Order a new switch and get it installed.
3. Open the exisiting failed switch and bend the small metal tab so that it again holds the button in the off position.

I've perfected both #2 and #3. I now keep the "repaired" original switch in my spare parts tool box. I was informed to expect the replacement switch to eventually fail, as it is of IDENTICAL design to the original.

Unfortunately, as you may have discovered, you cannot disconnect the offending switch from the circuit without disabling your turn signals. I've read that there is a work around that as well, but I was not able to perfect it.

Torxx · Post by **Torxx** » Tue Sep 12, 2006 10:00 pm

actually, my turn sigs work fine. does that reduce chance that the emerg. switch is the prob?

mbouse · Post by **mbouse** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 12:54 pm

what I attempted to say was (my bad)....

if you attempt to remove the defective switch from the circuit, the turn signals will cease to function. so, the seemingly easy short term fix of pulling the broken unit causes additional issues.

the defective switch must be forced to comply into the off position with tape or a toothpick to continue to use the vehicle on the road....until the switch is replaced.

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Wed Sep 13, 2006 12:58 pm

Or instead of fixing the binkers, you can use hand signals!! I am not too proud to say that I have been doing just that for months now. Maybe now that it is cooling off I will track down that short in the system...

perthling · Post by **perthling** » Thu Sep 14, 2006 9:58 pm

I had a non-functional horn which I eventually traced to a broken contactor behind the steering wheel (obvious once I removed the wheel). Also, check your relay connections to confirm that the relay is not getting power if you don't want to pull the wheel off first.

I have also been driving my Spider for 9 years without operational emergency blinkers (not actually required in Australia due to the age of the car - equivalent Coupes weren't fitted with hazard lights as we call them down here), but have also found that if the switch is removed the normal indicators cease to function. When I rebuild the car I might consider wiring the emergency circuit separately (or I could just fix the problem!).

My intermittent wiper setting has never worked either...

Torxx · Post by **Torxx** » Fri Oct 27, 2006 10:41 pm

Horn update.

It looks like my steering column switch had an issue (replace), and the brass looking cup like thing just behind the steering wheel (after you take the lug nut off and remove the steering wheel) is not making proper contact or something.

Iâ€™ll know if that diag is successful in a few days when the used parts go in. I donâ€™t have much confidence in used electrical parts.

I wish I could take credit for the diag.. A BMW tech that is an acquaintance of mine is doing some work for me at a rate of $50 an hour.

Torxx · Post by **Torxx** » Sat Oct 28, 2006 5:11 pm

used parts had the same issues.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 1:45 am

new combination switches are still available from the usual vendors, they have gone up in price recently though.

Torxx · Post by **Torxx** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 8:41 am

IAP says they have a euorpean replacement that requires some modification to the column cover and requires a clamp or something. I guess that is the best thing to try. Anyone used the switch from IAP or do you know if other vendors have a us replacement part?

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 9:10 am

Try Vick Autosports. http://www.vickauto.com

Bruce's Parts Bin. http://www.fiatparts.com

There are others out there, but I havn't ordered from them.

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 11:53 am

I've also got them, no mods required

Mark_vaughn · Post by **Mark_vaughn** » Sun Oct 29, 2006 3:39 pm

Torxx,

How easy was it to take your steering wheel off?

Anything special to make it come off?

Mark