R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Horn / electrical Problem, need help !

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Old Apr 21, 2014 | 05:53 AM
  #1  
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Horn / electrical Problem, need help !

I'm having a problem with the horns in my R53, or what seems to b an electrical issue. Basically, the horns just went off while the car was parked outside my home. I had to disconnect the battery cable to get them to stop. I purchased a new horn considering they are cheap to discard the horns been bad. As soon as u plug them in, they go off non-stop. Check the fuses and they are ok, the immediate wiring next to the horns look ok too and I have no clue where to look next. I have read a few threads here but they all talk about the horns dying and replacement. Any help will b appreciated !
 
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Old Apr 21, 2014 | 06:27 AM
  #2  
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Could be the clock spring, one of the horn switch in the steering or the relay that is stuck closed. You could always try to switch the relay with another one, if it stops, you have your culprit. If not, it means that there's a grounded wire somewhere in the circuit.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2014 | 06:46 AM
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What do u mean the clock switch ? I thought about the switch on the steering wheel getting stuck, but I unsuccessfully tried to remove it yesterday lol. My steering wheel has three spokes and there no screws on the rear as the instructions on the internet said other than 3 small ones that hold the plastic inserts on the spokes.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2014 | 07:16 AM
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-=gRaY rAvEn=-
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Could be grounding ( rodent activity - brown/green wire ) or bad / stuck relay.

If you can stuff something up inside the horns to muffle them while you check the relays in the foot well area it will keep you from going deaf.

Not sure which one it is but wiggle each one (relay), and sometimes a few taps on their plastic housings with a screw driver handle releases the contacts inside.

If that doesn't work, remove each one until the horn stops, then push back in and see if that helps and also check fuse #28 for any evidence of voltage spikes. If metal strip inside the translucent fuse is warped some but not broken, could be indication of wiring issue.
 
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Old Apr 21, 2014 | 07:20 AM
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Yes, definitely very annoying sound, will try that today. Thank you !

Also is both of them. Both horns go off !!! Lol
 
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Old Apr 21, 2014 | 07:21 AM
  #6  
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The clock spring is inside the steering wheel assembly and allows the horn and airbag to work. It's a spiral that allows the connections to work while turning the steering wheel. Plain old wiring in there would constantly get twisted and would end up breaking.

This is the part I'm talking about #3:



I'd check the relay first as it's easier to access (fuse panel). Basically, when you press the horn, you give the relay a ground and it then send power to the horns that are already grounded on the body. There isn't a whole lot of thing that can go wrong in there.
 

Last edited by Da_Ghost; Apr 21, 2014 at 07:52 AM.
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Old Apr 21, 2014 | 07:23 AM
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Ok. This is my next step then after the relays. Assuming I can figure out how to remove the darn airbag . Lol thank u
 
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Old Apr 21, 2014 | 08:02 AM
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Do yourself a favor and disconnect the battery when working around the airbag. You don't want that going off in your face.

But first (easy) step is check the relay.
 
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Old Apr 23, 2014 | 06:07 AM
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Well, I tried the relays. That didnt do anything . Next I'm going to try the steering wheel. However. The horns will still go off, even after removing all the relays one by one .
 
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Old Apr 23, 2014 | 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Edgpr
Well, I tried the relays. That didnt do anything . Next I'm going to try the steering wheel. However. The horns will still go off, even after removing all the relays one by one .
Guess you did not find the right relay....
 
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Old Apr 28, 2014 | 11:22 PM
  #11  
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I'm dealing with this exact issue on my G35 right now. It was because of water leaking into an area with many wires.....maybe look for something like that? here is the thread I started on g35driver.

http://g35driver.com/forums/g35-seda...eo-inside.html
 
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Old May 5, 2014 | 05:50 AM
  #12  
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Problem fixed ! I recently purchased a steering wheel as mine was old and worn out. During the install I noticed in the old steering wheel there was a spring that pop out of place and it was in constant contact with the airbag therefore sending ground to the horns ! Coincidental fixed !!! love it ! haha !
 
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Old May 5, 2014 | 07:05 AM
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I have a complete Clock Spring Assembly for sale if you need it.
 
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