Boxster Horn Issue

[Crush]

I have a 2001 Boxster S and the horn does not work when the key is turned in the ignition (car doesn't have to be started). If the key is out, the horns work fine. If the key is inserted, the horns work as long as you don't turn the key to the right.  I've read the great threads here and removed the air bag and checked the ground wires and they look good, no damage that I can tell. I'm thinking the relay maybe?   Anybody have any insight?

[Loren]

I recall someone here having the same problem here a few years ago.

Please give our search a try...

[Crush]

Loren,

 

I did search before I posted and the resolution that resolved it for the other posters was a faulty ground wire in the steering wheel. I checked the ground wire in the steering wheel and it looks good. No break.  So I'm kind of stumped.

 

Clyde

[Loren]

Use an ohmmeter to be sure.

[Crush]

So maybe one end of the ohmmeter goes to the wire end and the other goes where?  Maybe just the frame of car, since it's ground?  Or is there another point I should connect to?    I do agree with you that the issue points to the ground wire but I didn't feel a break in it when I took a look.    I wouldn't mind just taking out the whole wiring piece but I'm not sure how to unsnap the keyed connector in the column. I don't want to force anything and break it.

[JFP in PA]

Loren is suggesting that you need to check for continuity and/or resistance in the circuit.  Wires often look or feel fine, but when checked with a multi meter, there is no continuity (read a break in the wire internally), or there is high resistance (typically internal corrosion in the wire).  Either will keep the horn from sounding.

[Crush]

I understand and completely agree.  With the Ohmmeter you have to connect to both ends to create the circuit.  I don't know what one side sI hould connect to because the wiring goes into the steering column   :)  I may just try to unclip the keyed connector to just check the 3 inch wire but I'm not sure how it unsnaps. 

[Schnell Gelb]

It is a Brown wire problem probably

Try this?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/boxster-cayman-forum/639382-horn-works-only-ignition-off.html

" Problem solved. It turns out the ground wire for the horn was broken inside the insulation about 1/2 inch from where the wire plugs onto the horn ring. My mechanic said that the wire comes off of the connector and then makes a 90 degree bend as it goes through the steering wheel. The wire was broken at this bend. A little soldering and the problem is fixed "

 

Edited June 15, 2017 by Schnell Gelb

[Crush]

I did it have it apart. Brown wire looks fine.  If it is broken inside the insulation I'd be surprised because it felt fine. When I get a chance I'll take the wire out and check with ohmmeter. 

[Schnell Gelb]

There is a slightly related "while you are in there" task when fixing the horn problem (Search 'O' rings)

If your ventilation ducts occasionally eject small pieces of foam, the flap in the air blend system is disintegrating. There are some repairs that allow the deteriorrating part to be fixed via the hole behind the Steering Wheel .This avoids the need to remove the entire dash ! Worth considering.

http://986forum.com/forums/boxster-general-discussions/67109-small-foam-pieces-blowing-vents.html

[Crush]

As a follow up. I finally got around to fixing this after two near accidents where a horn would have been very nice to have.  Anyway, the issue was the brown wire where it met the connector. You guys were spot on. The insulation was crimped tight to the connector but the wire was broken inside the insulation. I wanted to pull out all the wires out of the clock spring to check with an ohmmeter but that keyed connector does NOT come out. It just looks like it does. Just FYI.  Anyway I  spiced in a new connector with a little bit thicker wire,  with a little more slack, all soldered of course.  Works like a charm.  Thanks for all the input!!! Much appreciated!!!  Beep beep. 

 

Clyde

[Schnell Gelb]

Glad it worked for you .

I have the same problem except I can not remove those screws behind the steering wheel. I have all the correct tools. The torx screw just spins.

So I fitted  Nautilus horn and a separate MOM  horn button pending a resolution of the spinning screw problem..