Fixing the Horn Button

[adrians]

Today I tried to fix the horn button on the steering wheel, the PO had rewired the horn to separate button under the dash.

I need to confirm two things, is the steering assembly on my Spider the correct one - i.e. original for at 1981 F.I. Spider - there are two connectors on the assembly for the horn connectivity.( grey/black and purple/black wires )

Secondly is the steering boss the correct/original boss, the assembly has two connectors, however the boss has only one connection ring, - and one wire running down from the center from the horn button, all earthed therefore the horn in always "ON" and very noisy when I reassemble everything correctly.

Any ideas or suggestions ?

I've checked voltage and continuity through the circuits. I know where the bypass for the second button is connected in.

[spider2081]

I haven't had mine apart for some time but what you show looks correct. Your wire colors are also correct.
The horn switch in the steering wheel supplies a ground to the horn relay which is mounted with the other relays under the glove box.

If the horn is not on when the button is not connected that is correct. The button switch connects the gray/black wire to ground. Look at the switch the gray/black wire connects at the push on spade. Ground is the spring clip on the side if the switch that holds the switch in place in the hub. If your gray/black wire terminal touches any metal during assembly or after assembly the horn will toot.
If you are sure the wire terminal is not touching anything the horn switch could be stuck on.

In your photo your horn slip ring looks like it is worn through in one spot. The slip ring should be smooth through out the full 360 degrees. Also in the other photos of the contacts the top contact looks too close to the steering column shaft. It doen't look to me like it would make contact with the slip ring brass section. It looks more like it would get pushed against the steering column when the parts are assembled.

[adrians]

Thanks I'll recheck the alignment.

[Antileon]

I haven't had mine apart for some time but what you show looks correct. Your wire colors are also correct.
The horn switch in the steering wheel supplies a ground to the horn relay which is mounted with the other relays under the glove box.

If the horn is not on when the button is not connected that is correct. The button switch connects the gray/black wire to ground. Look at the switch the gray/black wire connects at the push on spade. Ground is the spring clip on the side if the switch that holds the switch in place in the hub. If your gray/black wire terminal touches any metal during assembly or after assembly the horn will toot.
If you are sure the wire terminal is not touching anything the horn switch could be stuck on.

In your photo your horn slip ring looks like it is worn through in one spot. The slip ring should be smooth through out the full 360 degrees. Also in the other photos of the contacts the top contact looks too close to the steering column shaft. It doen't look to me like it would make contact with the slip ring brass section. It looks more like it would get pushed against the steering column when the parts are assembled.

Hi
If the 2 contact in the steering collom are are sharing the rotating disc on the hub, will that no start the horn ?
I am trying to fit a Vintage steering Wheel and it is not really compatible.
I actually thought that the second ( close to the steering shaft ) is connecting to the ground through the hub/shaft assembly.

[spider2081]

There are actually 2 slip rings one for each contact. In you photo showing the contacts the upper contact with gray/black wire is very close to the steering shaft. That contact makes with the white metal inner slip ring with the internal spline. The other contact with the violet/black wire is the only one that rides on the brass slip ring on the steering wheel hub. The brass slip ring also has a black wire soldered to it that connects with the horn button. The brass slip ring is the power. the hub is the ground. The horn relay has power all the time and the horn button switches the ground made by the horn button.

Hope this helps

[Antileon]

There are actually 2 slip rings one for each contact. In you photo showing the contacts the upper contact with gray/black wire is very close to the steering shaft. That contact makes with the white metal inner slip ring with the internal spline. The other contact with the violet/black wire is the only one that rides on the brass slip ring on the steering wheel hub. The brass slip ring also has a black wire soldered to it that connects with the horn button. The brass slip ring is the power. the hub is the ground. The horn relay has power all the time and the horn button switches the ground made by the horn button.

Hope this helps

Perfect, thanks