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Horn doesn't work after 2 expensive repairs 850

posted by  someone claiming to be Connie on  Tue Feb 21 14:32 CST 2006 [RELATED]

After two expensive repairs, the horn on my 1995 850 wagon (147,000+ miles) still doesn't work reliably. First, my mechanic replaced the clockspring. This seemed to fix the problem, but within a week the horn worked only intermittently. When I brought the car back, he replaced the steering wheel but didn't charge me for the labor. Today, after about a month of working fine, the horn stopped working AGAIN. I hit the horn once and it worked; then I hit it again and NO SOUND. More tries; nothing. Tomorrow I may try it and it might or might not work. This is so bizarre.

My mechanic has over 20 years experience and has worked on many Volvos. He even consulted with a Volvo dealer before he installed the new steering wheel. He told me that as far as he knew this should fix the problem, but he couldn't guarantee it 100% I've spent almost $700 and I can't afford to keep throwing money at this problem. What should I do? I need a reliable horn to feel safe.







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    Horn doesn't work after 2 expensive repairs 850

    posted by  someone claiming to be ksg on  Fri Feb 24 09:31 CST 2006 [RELATED]

    In the Haynes manual and elsewhere it refers to a ground wire which must be placed under a certain screw when the steering wheel/air bag assembly is replaced. It states the horn may work intermittently or not at all if not done. If your steering wheel was taken off some time in the past, for some other repair, maybe this ground wire was not replaced correctly?








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    Horn doesn't work after 2 expensive repairs 850

    posted by  bill d cat on  Wed Feb 22 00:50 CST 2006
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    last visit: Mon Aug 11 04:23 CST 2014
    [RELATED]

    I'd first wonder about the condition of the actual horns that are sitting out in the salt spray. Are they getting any power when the horn fails?

    The 850 steering wheel horn-contact issue is a longstanding problem, usually the contacts are physically broken. Did you get to see the old steering wheel?

    I don't really think much of most Volvo dealer's expertise when it comes to complex problems, they're usually just as baffled as anyone else and their first suggestion is to start shottgunning $$$ parts into the car.

    -BTC







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      Horn doesn't work after 2 expensive repairs 850

      posted by  someone claiming to be Connie on  Wed Feb 22 04:26 CST 2006 [RELATED]

      I didn't get to see the old steering wheel although my mechanic usually shows me the old parts. If the contacts were good, it would have indicated that they were not the problem. I trust my mechanic who is an independent, but maybe he is out of his depth.








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      Horn doesn't work after 2 expensive repairs 850

      posted by  someone claiming to be fixit 2003 on  Wed Feb 22 04:18 CST 2006 [RELATED]

      Good idea. The mechanic should have done this but put a voltmeter on the horn connection to see if it's getting voltage when to button is pressed.








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        Another piece of the puzzle 850

        posted by  someone claiming to be Connie on  Wed Feb 22 04:31 CST 2006 [RELATED]

        This morning I drove the car and tried the horn. Dead except when I hit it during a right turn. I haven't tried it going left! AGH!








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          Another piece of the puzzle 850

          posted by  KlausC on  Wed Feb 22 08:26 CST 2006
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          last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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          Connie,
          Check out your horn in the parking lot or driveway. Turn the wheel a little at a time and blip the horn. If it makes noise, then the horns are OK, but the collar ring was not installed properly.
          A new steering wheel??? The horn ring collar is a separate part and can be replaced. Less than 1 hour of labor for a shade tree DIY.

          Klaus
          --
          (V♂LV♂s 1975 164, 1995 854T, 1998 V70R)








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    if an option for you--sell the car-before spending more money on it 850

    posted by  someone claiming to be Wheels on  Tue Feb 21 23:36 CST 2006 [RELATED]

    Frankly--if it an option for you- sell the csr-trade it-what ever-just get out of it. If after dumping 700 bucks for a horn of all things--doesnt it tell you something. SEll the car-and dont walk--run from any volvo that you were thinking of buying-unless its a rear wheel drive--just my opinion.








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    Horn doesn't work after 2 expensive repairs 850

    posted by  Moregolf on  Tue Feb 21 15:42 CST 2006
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    last visit: Tue Apr 22 07:55 CST 2008
    [RELATED]

    Buy a horn? They're not that good. I've replaced one each on two 97 GLT's so far with less than 100K on both. At least check and see if the mech has a loner.







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