hi all,

I have reviewed the hundreds of posts regarding the horn wiring setup on the bug, however I have more questions that I can't find an answer for....

1. All the posts I have read detail an earth wire to the horn button, travelling up the centre of the steering column... My steering column is solid, therefore can not have a wire coming through it.

could someone please explain?

2. also, do i have to remove the fuel tank to see the steering box? I want to check the wiring at this point also.

3. I pulled of the steering whell and noticed there is meant to be a copper ring on the indicator assembly that contact the back of the steering wheel?. Im thinking this contact ring has to do with the horn?? this contact ring on my indicator stalk assembly is all mangled and incomplete. Can someone shed some light on this?

thanks for your help in advance.
Dale

Hi

The centre wire was only on earlier cars

You can see the steering box from under the car

The brass ring on the steering wheel rubs against the brass tangs on the indicator switch.

If you have the steering wheel off the car touch a wire between the steering shaft and the brass tangs, the horn should sound.

The horn is earthed via the tangs, the tangs connect through the back of switch.

You haven't said what model your car is.

Steve

what year is your car as the wiring changes

Sorry how silly of me. It's a 1971 super bug. Cheers

Hi

The steering box on a super doesn't have any wires going to it, its all in the harness.

Basically the horn gets an ignition switch feed, then the horn button earths the horn cucuit.

Steve

Do I have this correct....

So.... if the wiring hasn't been tampered with, the copper 'tangs' on the indictor stalk assembly provide the earth path when the horn in pressed?

I'm a bit confused.

On the steering wheel (original), when I remove the cap in the middle I have a wire that is attached to a screw, but the other end is just dangling around... where should this be attached to?

I need some advice on what I should be seeing when I look at the steering wheel and indicator assembly.

Cheers

Hi


The brass ring should be attached to a plastic base, a wire should come off the plastic base and attach to the steering wheel, can you post some photos?

Steve

Yes Steve, I think it would be best if I post some photos... I'll pull the steering wheel off tonight and take some happy snaps.

The horn circuit is a bit upside down but heres one way to look at it:
the positive supply goes from a fuse to the horn, out the other side of the horn coil, back to the steering column, through the tangs, onto the the brass horn ring ( which makes continuous contact as you turn the wheel) through the little lead and up to the switch built into the horn button. So it all sits there 'live' all the time the key is on. When you operate the horn button you complete the final circuit to the vehicle earth. So a test will be to short out the tangs to a good earth and see if the horn works. You cant blow anything up as it is already through a load - the horn coil.
Advice - Dont hold the bare wire end when you do it or you will expereince the practical demonstration of a concept called Back EMF, ( back electro motive force, Google it) and it will bite.
Now this is assuming your steering column is a good earth. If the horn doesnt work when you short the tang to earth, check on the steering coupling down near the steering box as it should have a short wire that connects across the coupling as the coupling is not conductive. If not there, fit one and try again.
If still not working you will need to check voltage though the circuit, hopefully that explanantion above will clarify the way it works.

several things to consider.