Barbarian Posted May 1, 2009 Share Posted May 1, 2009 Hello to all, I have a problem that I understand is not new to Ducatos' I have a Swift Sundance 590 RS Lux on a Fiat Ducato 2.8d MWB, 51 reg. I am having problems with the horn only working intermittently. I have bought a replacement for the original that sounded like Noddys' car and resited it under the bonnet for easier access, and got a good earth, this however has not cured the problem. The new horn works when the steering wheel is turned about a quarter turn either way, so I have deduced that the problem must be a faulty connection below the steering wheel. I have removed the horn cover and the steering column cowling but there is nothing to see. Can anyone please tell me how to remove the steering wheel to access the wiring connections below? My Wife even admits that I am reasonably good at DIY or is this a job requiring specialist tools? Thank you. :'( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted May 1, 2009 Share Posted May 1, 2009 I too had this problem a few years back and it did indeed turn out to be a dirty connection in the steering column - which they tell me is quite common - but I was lucky in that I has a spare horn at home (a very handy thing to have!) and as it was under warranty the Peugeot dealer in Exeter fixed it on the spot and with a smile - great service! Beware of the airbag if you have a go yourself as there may well be a procedure to follow to make it safe but I think that there are two screws under the spokes of the steering wheel that will release the horn push / wheel cover and allow access? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbarian Posted May 1, 2009 Author Share Posted May 1, 2009 Hi Tracker, Thank you for the advice and airbag warning, I will have a go again tomorrow. I am grateful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roverman Posted May 1, 2009 Share Posted May 1, 2009 Try going to Maplin and getting some Electric Contact Cleaner, this is a spray can. Spray between the wheel and the brass ring and turn the wheel a few turns, it may just do the trick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brambles Posted May 1, 2009 Share Posted May 1, 2009 The following, after my comment, is copied from the Fiat Maintentance manual. I am posting only to give you an idea of what is involved. removing Airbag modules is risky, so make sure you know what you are doing. If you are not sure, please consult or get a professional to do it. Chances are the ring for brushes/connections to steering wheel are just tarnished/dirty. Jon. ...................... Before removing and refitting the Air Bag module the following preliminary operations must be carried out: (1) turn the ignition key to the OFF position and extract it; (2) disconnect the negative battery terminal and insulate the leads; (3) wait for 10 minutes before continuing. FOLLOW ALL THE RECOMMENDED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (see assembly 5580C - AIR BAG SYSTEM). (note - I cannot find these safety instructions - it my be referringto the saftey notes within the following text) 1. Undo the fixing bolts. - Lift up the Air Bag module and disconnect the electrical connection on the clock spring. 2. Remove the Air Bag module. all versions Safety note.. - Place the Air Bag module in the special cupboard, resting it on a free surface with the bag facing upwards. Handle the Air Bag module very carefully. Make sure that the battery is disconnected. - If a new module is being fitted, position the labels. Remove the detachable part of the adhesive label from the new module and place it in the special folder containing the vehicle details (model, registration date, chassis number) and the serial number of the old module. The file should be kept for future checks. A new adhesive plate comes together with the module and should be stuck on top of the existing one. Beforehand, however, it should be perforated at the month and 10 years after the year in which the module is being fitted (e.g. 2010 for 2000). - Connect the electrical connection to the clock spring. - Position the Air Bag in the housing in the steering wheel and tighten the fixing bolts. - Connect the negative battery terminal. - Check the operation of the system using the Examiner or other diagnostic equipment. Steering Wheel Disconnect the negative battery terminal. - See in Op. 5580C18 - Driver's AIR BAG - R.R.. 1. Remove the plastic protection. 2. Disconnect the electrical connection for clock spring. 3. Undo the fixing nut. 4. Remove the steering wheel. - Position the steering wheel in the housing and tighten the fixing nut to the recommended torque. Value - 5daNm Fastening Component Ø STEERING WHEEL M16 X 1.5 - Position the plastic protection. - Connect the electrical connection. Connect the negative battery terminal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbarian Posted May 2, 2009 Author Share Posted May 2, 2009 Hello again, I can't believe all the responses so far, I have so much to do tomorrow! We have just got home from a dinner party with friends / neighbours so it may be PM! before I can face following the leads to resolve the horn problem. I do appreciate the help and will have a go so we can get mobile again. I will let you all know how I get on. *-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barbarian Posted May 3, 2009 Author Share Posted May 3, 2009 Hi folks, The good news is 'Lucy' our Motorhome is 'horny' again! :-D The problem lay under the steering wheel, a very helpful neighbour had a can of the electrical contact spray, it did not resolve the problem so we persevered, my neighbour was as interested as me to find the source. We had to figure out how to remove the inner part of the horn contacts as there were no obvious fixing points under the steering wheel spokes. Eventually we realised that it fitted in like a car radio on pins that had to be pushed aside to draw the piece out, 4 small screwdrivers and up it popped. We removed the steering wheel after marking its' position (No air bag - good and bad news!) once the wheel was off we could see the problem. The copper contacts under the brass ring (That came off with the steering wheel) were covered in grease! No idea how it got there but there was enough to lubricate most of the vehicle and acting as an insulator. This removed and re-coated said contacts with a thin layer of vaseline and the job was done, everthing went back into place easily. I think my neighbour was as happy as me, especially with the bottle of rose. So, a big THANK YOU to all who responded with all the detailed info. and perhaps your suggestions will help more like minded travellers than just me, Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brambles Posted May 3, 2009 Share Posted May 3, 2009 Glad you have it all fixed. Sounds like the applied grease was not suitable, the oil evaporating leaving the soap carrier behind as residue to insulate the ring. Jon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjphillips Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Had the same problem with my Ducatto.Pull the horn cover off the steering wheel & you'll probably find that the 2 push on connectors are loose.Give them a pinch with the pliers so they push on tight.that may be the cause.It did cure mine for good. :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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