No horn / cruise control with truck running.

[mybronc]

I've done a search but have been unable to find an answer to this problem. I have no horn or cruise control while the truck is running, but the horn works when it is shut off. It's a '96 Bronco.

The cruise went first, followed by the horn about six months later. Is this the horn ring, the relay, or something else?

I would appreciate any advice to how to fix this. I'm very frustrated without a horn, and am starting to look at air horns as a result of the yahoo drivers out there. I'm ready to buy a horn that will blow the paint off of a car. Maybe if I get the regular horn fixed, I'll start to feel better.

Thanks for the help. If you can give me link to this if it has been answered before, that would be great.

 

[whitey]

in california? everyone here is horn happy too.

have you checked the fusebox connections? i doubt that's it but, i blew the fuse on mine yesterday while replacing the cigar lighter socket (didn't remove the fuse like a dolt and got a spark when reconnecting). anyhow i learned the lighter, cruise control and horn run on the same fuse.

again may not be the issue but worth a check.

 

[mybronc]

No, in NY - Just seems to be getting badder all the time.

Checked the fuse, and all is OK. I didn't think this would be it since the horn works when the truck is in the off position. Also use the lighter to plug in my blue light, which I use to respond to calls as a volunteer firefighter.

I thought the problem was intermittent as the horn worked periodically, until I realized it was only when my daughter beeps the horn when I take to long getting into the truck. Ofcourse the truck is not running at this point, but it took me quite a while to make the connection. That's a big DUH!

What is the next step?

 

[Seabronc]

The problem is most likely the brass brushes that make contact for the cruise and horn in the steering column. The one that is common to both is the grounding brush, if this brush is in bad shape it will cause the cruise control to cut out and also prevent the horn from working consistently. If you pull the steering wheel, you will probably find them well worn.

Good luck,

>-

 

[mybronc]

I'll pull the wheel, but before I do that, is there something else to check? It works consistently when it's off, and won't work when it's running. Logically, this seems like something else other than a bad contact. But if the brushes being worn will behave this way, acoording to werther the truck is running or not, then off comes the wheel.

Can the relay be at fault; and how would I check this; and where is the relay?

 

[Seabronc]

I'll pull the wheel, but before I do that, is there something else to check? It works consistently when it's off, and won't work when it's running. Logically, this seems like something else other than a bad contact. But if the brushes being worn will behave this way, acoording to werther the truck is running or not, then off comes the wheel.

Can the relay be at fault; and how would I check this; and where is the relay?

All pushing the horn button does is ground the horn relay, providing the connections are working. There is a possibility that a connector could be bad also, there is one at the base of the steering column and one on the engine side of the fire wall (just to the right and near the bottom of the break booster as seen when looking at it from the front of the truck). The firewall plugs are prone to corrosion, so it could be that also. The wire color you are looking for is dark green with orange stripe, it runs from the base og the steering column to the Speed Control amplifier (it is mouted on the fender above the firewall connector). Take the connectors apart, check and rehook up before taking the steering wheel off.

 

[mybronc]

Thanks very much Seabronc. I'll check those connections first. What I can't seem to get through my head though is why the horn works when the key is off. If the connections are bad, would it make any difference if the key is on or off. Am I being thick headed, or just missing something? I know I'm perseverating, but I'm just trying to understand the workings of the horn and cruise control.

 

[Broncosaurus!]

many used cars have been F*ed with by previous owners, maybe yours was rewired by someone with out an EE degree. Chances are your stock wiring diagram no longer holds true.

 

[gnarly_bronco_kid]

many used cars have been F*ed with by previous owners, maybe yours was rewired by someone with out an EE degree. Chances are your stock wiring diagram no longer holds true.

Hey man the cruse control thing has a recall on it on all 1996 ford bronco's and f series. Just thought I'd let you know, maybe that will help. and while we're on the subject of crazy electronics. I almost died the other day because of my headlight. yep, I turned them off and they decided to shut down my motor. leaving me with no brakes or stearing. turned the lights off and the truck fired up. I think it has to do something with me taking off my smashed pannel. any ideas?