64 C2 Horn/Steering Column/Relay Problem

[Peter C.]

Hi there:

A month ago (and about 300 miles ago), I replaced the turn signal switch with a brand new replacement from Ecklers. Initially, everything worked properly (viz., horn honked and turn signals worked) for the first 300 miles.

Today while driving with my wife, the horn unexpectedly sounded without me actuating the horn button. I tried hitting the horn button a couple of times because I assumed that the button was askew or jammed causing the horn to be actuated. I was wrong. I repeatedly actuated the horn button with no change in the problem. Next, I pulled over and I got my screwdrivers out of the glovebox and I was in the middle of disassembling the finger contact ring under the horn button when the horn stopped sounding on its own. I then reassembled the finger contact ring and the horn button. Now the horn does not work at all. I just got back from this ride and I want to think out my repair/diagnosis strategy for this week.

Can someone answer the following questions:

1.) Where is horn relay located on a 64 roadster?

2.) It seems the relay should have at least three wires (viz., bat+, ground trigger and output to horns) - please confirm.

3.) I looked at some old technical discussions where intermittent horn problems were discussed and a nonconducting material located in the sterring column was mentioned as the culprit of the problem. Where is such conducting material located?

4.) Any other hints for diagnosing this problem would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Peter Cook

[Jack H.]

Re: 64 C2 Horn/Steering Column/Relay Problem

1.) Where is horn relay located on a 64 roadster?

Coupe/convertible doesn't matter...the horn relay is located in the engine compartment near the voltage regulator off the back side of the radiator core support.

2.) It seems the relay should have at least three wires (viz., bat+, ground trigger and output to horns) - please confirm.

All Delco Remy horn relays have embossed ID in the relay's cover "S" and "H". These define the function of the connector DIRECTLY BELOW the emboss on the bottom of the relay.

S= Switch (contact closure to ground) to fire the relay. H= Horn (switched power out of the relay to the horns). The 'extra' terminal will be B+ power input and there should be a discrete ground wire joining the horn relay coming from the voltage regulator.

BUT, I doubt the problem lies in your horn relay! The symptoms you describe are typical of fault(s) in the wiring path up the steering column to the horn switch. I'll bet you're getting sporadic contact closure to ground which is telling the horn relay to fire...

3.) I looked at some old technical discussions where intermittent horn problems were discussed and a nonconducting material located in the sterring column was mentioned as the culprit of the problem. Where is such conducting material located?

You copy of the AIM should depict the steering column wiring. In a '65 AIM, the drawing is UPC-12, Sheet C1. It ought to be similar/close in your '64 AIM.

Find the drawing and look toward the base of the column (below the mast jacket). You should find a part called 'Cover'...it's Item No. 7 in the '65 AIM.

This is a plastic sheath intended to wrap/cover the steering column's wiring harness and protect it from rubbing/chaffing against the column. Many of the older cars that've see prior repair service are missing this cover because 'Bubba' didn't understand its purpose and discarded it while working on the column.

If the ribbon cable/harness rubs against the mast column and the insulation abbrades, you can develop spurious grounding of one or more of the wires that will result in intermittent 'funnies'. That could well be what you're fighting!

4.) Any other hints for diagnosing this problem would be greatly appreciated.

Find circuit fault and fix... Sounds 'curt', but that's the job you're looking at doing.

[Alan D.]

Re: 64 C2 Horn/Steering Column/Relay Problem

64AIM has column picture on page D207 (sec 12 sh C1.00) and wiring diagram on page D217 (UPC 12 sh D3), but be careful on D217 since its was not the 64 diagram, check date in revision record block, may have been changed in newer ones.

[John D.]

Re: 64 C2 Horn/Steering Column/Relay Problem

Peter, Probably bad wiring inside the steering column. Refer to your 63 Corvette shop manual also for problems like this. Get yourself a good test meter and a friend who knows the basics of wiring. Push the horn button in and see if you have juice flowing out to the relay using your meter. Takes two people. If you don't stop there as now you are in for a whole lot of work in tearing the steering column apart. If this is the case have the steering column professionally restored as otherwise you might end up an unhappy camper. Not saying your can't do it though if you are trained. Getting a 63 steering column assembled correctly with the correct tolerances and finishes is not easy. If it was my 63 the LWC would be correct and it ain't. JD

[Larry S.]

Re: 64 C2 Horn/Steering Column/Relay Problem

This is, something I should know I guess, but what is a 64 AIM and where can I buy this manual?

[Jack H.]

Re: 64 C2 Horn/Steering Column/Relay Problem

AIM= Assembly Instruction Manual

They're available from many sources, but the STORE button on this web site will transport you to the NCRS Merchandise Center in Cincinnati, Ohio where there's a full compliment available for the various years of Corvette.

[Larry S.]

Re: 64 C2 Horn/Steering Column/Relay Problem

Thanks Jack, I'll check it out.
Larry