Topic: Horn Doesnt Work on 85 4runner... what to check?

[mmessier2]

My horn doesnt work on my 4runner and I was wondering where I should start diagnosing the problem.  If anyone has had this problem before I would appreciate your help. 

I didnt really care whether I had a horn or not, until some lady almost backed into me in a parking lot...  I had to yell instead of honking, and she didnt hear me.

[MiniSimp]

1. Fuse
2. Wire at Horn
3. Ground Wire
4. Contact area on steering wheel needs to be cleaned
5. Wiring in steerin wheel
6. Contact points on button

[mmessier2 [OP]]

Thanks for the list.  I appreciate it.

[jimbo74]

my horn doesnt work either, i jsut push in the clutch and rev it.... people get the point

[hopper]

Ya mine doesn't work either.  I've tried the fuse and the connection is fine on both ends but no horn.  When my battery is dead or when my truck sits in the sun for awhile it will work for a few seconds.

[rattlecanpaint]

If you look behind the steering wheel there is a little pin that contacts a ring on the steering wheel.  That pin wears out after rubbing for 100k+ miles.  Its like a 2$ part from the dealer and takes 5 min to install.  Also get some copper paste to lube the ring.  Otherwise you'll get a horrible rubbing noise when you turn the wheel.  You will have to take off the steering wheel to get to it but that's the hardest part.  A harmonic balancer puller will work for getting it off.

[yota-tota]

mine didn't work when i first bought my truck and it turned out to be a rusted connection in the horn it self.....tappped it with a hammer and it worked

[Kurlee Daddee]

Mine doesn't work either. Every single little button works inside the cab but the horn. Gonna use check list tomorrow. Thanks.

[h0nke]

it is usually the contacts are worn in the steering wheel, if you pull the horn put 12v to it, if it works fine im sure that is it.

[mmessier2 [OP]]

The single screw on the top of my steering wheel seems to be stripped from the previous owner.  Any tips on how to get it off?