Hi folks

Drove home this afternoon in my 2010 Fiesta Mk7 and naturally wanted to announce my arrival to the family with a few blasts on the horn (yes, we live in the country) ☺️ The horn sounded for the first short blast and then cut out during the second blast. It’s now not working at all.

I’ve checked the fuse and it’s OK, but I suspect the switch in the steering wheel may have died. I wasn’t exactly gentle with it!

I’ve watched a bunch of videos on YouTube that all involve removing the airbag, but can’t see any specifics on replacing the horn switch, which I assume is within this central section.

Other advice I read was that the relay may be faulty, but I’m not sure where that’s located on my car.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a complete novice?!

Thanks in advance,

Kenny

 

 

20 minutes ago, Skatehorn said:

Does anyone have any suggestions for a complete novice?!

Buy a multimeter and find out how to use it ? 🤔

12 hours ago, unofix said:

Buy a multimeter and find out how to use it ? 🤔

Excellent, thanks. If you don’t already have a YouTube channel, consider setting one up. You’d go down a storm with that advice. By the way, checking the fuse is what I did with my multimeter. 

To anyone else, is the horn switch under the section where the airbag is located? I’m just a bit confused! Happy to get in and test things, but just some pointers in the right direction would be amazing.

Thanks!

27 minutes ago, Skatehorn said:

To anyone else, is the horn switch under the section where the airbag is located? I’m just a bit confused! Happy to get in and test things, but just some pointers in the right direction would be amazing.

There isn't a horn switch in the way that you're thinking.

There's a metal contact ring around the airbag.  And 4 metal contacts on the back of the wheel hub.  The airbag is held away from the contacts on springs at all times.  When you push the airbag, that pushes the springs and closes two of the contacts on the wheel to complete the circuit.  It would be almost impossible to break the horn in this way by pressing the airbag too hard.

I'd be inclined to suspect the horn itself - have you checked it's receiving power?

Couple of earlier threads here on the issue:

https://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/94399-2012-fiesta-horn-not-working/

https://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/161035-mk7-2009-fiesta-uk-zetec-horn-not-working/

 

14 minutes ago, TomsFocus said:

There isn't a horn switch in the way that you're thinking.

There's a metal contact ring around the airbag.  And 4 metal contacts on the back of the wheel hub.  The airbag is held away from the contacts on springs at all times.  When you push the airbag, that pushes the springs and closes two of the contacts on the wheel to complete the circuit.  It would be almost impossible to break the horn in this way by pressing the airbag too hard.

Amazing. Really appreciate that info. Yes, indeed, makes me think it’s less likely to be a problem at the wheel.

14 minutes ago, Eric Bloodaxe said:

I'd be inclined to suspect the horn itself - have you checked it's receiving power?

Couple of earlier threads here on the issue:

https://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/94399-2012-fiesta-horn-not-working/

https://www.fordownersclub.com/forums/topic/161035-mk7-2009-fiesta-uk-zetec-horn-not-working/

 

Thanks, will check out those threads. Nope, hadn’t checked the horn is receiving power, so will get on and do that. Cheers 👍

Pull the drivers side headlight out and check the connectors at the wiring plug.  The horn is quite exposed, therefore the connectors rust like <Insert Expletive Here>

37 minutes ago, mickywrx said:

rust like <Insert Expletive Here>

I guess the answer would be "beeped" out 🤣

Thanks guys, I removed the driver’s side headlamp and was able to confirm that power was reaching the horns. Was surprised to see two horns in there, as all the YouTube videos I’d watched only had the one, so I expect one of them had already died and this was just the second one crapping out. 
 

Will order replacements now and all should hopefully be well again. Cheers for the advice 👍