Installing a horn button
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Waldorf, MD
Posts: 874
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Formula, 89 IROC
Engine: LB9, LB9
Transmission: 700R4, 700R4
Axle/Gears: Posi 2.73, Posi 2.73
Installing a horn button
Ok well my horn does not work and I need it to pass state inspection. I have an airbag wheels so I do not want to just rip it all apart and ruin my wheel. So what I did was go out and buy one of those black horn buttons. Now to wire this, what wires do I need to find under the dash and what else do I need to do besides just mount the button?
#2
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: KY
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87IROC, 740iBMW, 328iBMW, 86GMC
Engine: 5.7, 4.4LV8, 2.8, 6.0
Transmission: Manuals & Auto's
Axle/Gears: 3.27, 3.42
Have you first tried replacing the horn wiring under the air bag? Many times the clear plastic spring assembly contacts crack and the horn wont work.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Waldorf, MD
Posts: 874
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Formula, 89 IROC
Engine: LB9, LB9
Transmission: 700R4, 700R4
Axle/Gears: Posi 2.73, Posi 2.73
I thought that if I put a button before that, then it bypasses it and I dont need to rip open the air bag right?
#5
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: KY
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87IROC, 740iBMW, 328iBMW, 86GMC
Engine: 5.7, 4.4LV8, 2.8, 6.0
Transmission: Manuals & Auto's
Axle/Gears: 3.27, 3.42
Originally Posted by 90CamaroTBI
I thought that if I put a button before that, then it bypasses it and I dont need to rip open the air bag right?
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Waldorf, MD
Posts: 874
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Formula, 89 IROC
Engine: LB9, LB9
Transmission: 700R4, 700R4
Axle/Gears: Posi 2.73, Posi 2.73
Would my wheel look hideous when I put it back together?
#7
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: KY
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87IROC, 740iBMW, 328iBMW, 86GMC
Engine: 5.7, 4.4LV8, 2.8, 6.0
Transmission: Manuals & Auto's
Axle/Gears: 3.27, 3.42
Originally Posted by 90CamaroTBI
Would my wheel look hideous when I put it back together?
Sometimes the plastic around the edges of the air bag get a little warped or curled which makes the black air bag cover look like it's coming off. That's mostly a cosmetic thing but, you can trim the hard white colored plastic if needed and epoxy the cover around the edge. None of this is necessary to the steering wheel horn function unless it's preventing the two wire loom button contacts from completing their function.
Anyway, pull the air bag. You'll find the wireloom that we're discussing. No big deal to replace. Good luck!
Trending Topics
#8
Moderator/TGO Supporter
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Huntington Beach, CA
Posts: 1,710
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 87 IROC 92 Z-28 91 Ragtop
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: 700-r4
Originally Posted by Wadebryant
...Disconnect the batt., remove the four torx screws from the back side of the steering wheel, the air bag will come right out...
#9
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: KY
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87IROC, 740iBMW, 328iBMW, 86GMC
Engine: 5.7, 4.4LV8, 2.8, 6.0
Transmission: Manuals & Auto's
Axle/Gears: 3.27, 3.42
Originally Posted by Duck
Is there any chance the air bag will deploy accidently, or is just disconnecting the battery enough to render it non-deployable.
Once the screws are removed from the steering wheel the air bag will still be teathered to the air bag system with the yellow sleeved wiring. It is not necessary to disconnect this wiring to replace the horn wire harness below the air bag. Even so, if the yellow sleeved wiring to the bag is disconnected, chances are that air bag will not deploy as you are not working with the arming sensors themself. I prefer to disconnect the main electrical system,
remove the bag from the wheel, disconnect the yellow sleeved wiring, set the bag outside of the car, replace the steering wheel horn harness, reconnect the bag wiring, install the screws. Reconnect the main electrical system, get into the vehicle on the passenger side, start the car and check the dash light to make sure that the air bag system light goes through it's test cycle then check the horn function.
The first time I did this proceedure, I wore a full face helment.
Good luck
#10
Originally Posted by Wadebryant
I'd try to fix it first. This is an easy repair project. Disconnect the batt., remove the four torx screws from the back side of the steering wheel, the air bag will come right out and you have access to the problem prone plastic spring loaded horn wire assembly. The replacement part is less than $20. Have it ready, remove the old unit, reassemble. Shouldnt take more than an hour.
#11
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: KY
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87IROC, 740iBMW, 328iBMW, 86GMC
Engine: 5.7, 4.4LV8, 2.8, 6.0
Transmission: Manuals & Auto's
Axle/Gears: 3.27, 3.42
Originally Posted by SMKNTRS
You have a part # or anything for the replacement? I have the same problem with mine.
#12
Originally Posted by Wadebryant
Just to make sure, what model and year are you needing help with?
#13
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: KY
Posts: 1,236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 87IROC, 740iBMW, 328iBMW, 86GMC
Engine: 5.7, 4.4LV8, 2.8, 6.0
Transmission: Manuals & Auto's
Axle/Gears: 3.27, 3.42
Originally Posted by SMKNTRS
1992 all models should be the same. I got an airbag in my wheel. Someone told me my button wiring was fine and that it was something behind my steering wheel
Classic Industries, Specialists in GM muscle car restoration and performance parts. sells the steering wheel horn switch under part # G7349 for about $23. You can also purchase the part from your GM dealer or get it cheap from most salvage yards.
#14
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 305 LO3 TBI
Transmission: Automatic
Ok I got the same problem horn doesnt work and inspection is runing out. So being a noobie I took my 1991 Firbird to Midas thinking they would fix it... BAD IDEA!!! $76 thrown in wind. Right before the problem I had the whole wiring harness replaced because my ground wire burned and my ac didnt work. After I got that fixed the horn went out. The guy at Midas tried something and he got the horn working by hooking up a switch to it... but that was only for testing purposes. He said that the buttons in my steering wheel where burned?... and said taht theres no replace ment parts unless you get a whole new Air bag assembly... Is that true? Because the estimate for a whole Airbag assembly replacement was about $900 I have less then a week until my inspection is out. I am trying to find a good machenic that wount suggest replacing my Airbag assembly and suck as much money out of me as he can... please someone hekp me.
#15
Supreme Member
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Springfield, MO, USA
Posts: 1,536
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1986 Trans Am, 1991 Firebird
Engine: 355 TPI, 3.1L V6
Transmission: 700R4 in both
Re: Installing a horn button
I know I'm bringing back a year old post but I just had to reply to this because I am just so amazed at what repair shops will tell people to get money out of them. Plus I'm bored.
First, to answer Firebird1991s question. NO, it is absolutely not true that you have to replace the entire airbag assembly to fix the horn buttons. They are actually two completely separate assemblies. I don't have the part # here, it's at work, but the horn assembly is around $26 from GM and consists of two horn buttons with two black ground wires coming off them and two red wires coming off them going to a single plastic spring loaded connector that just slides into a hole in the steering wheel. Very very simple replacement.
Second, for those concerned about accidental airbag deployment the proper procedure is as follows. Step 1, remove the SIR fuse from the fuse panel. Step 2, remove the lower panel under the steering column and locate the yellow connector with the wires labeled SIR and disconnect the connector. Step 3, loosen the 4 bolts behind the steering wheel which will allow the airbag assembly to come out. Step 4, disconnect the wire from the airbag wiring harness. Step 5, make repairs as needed. Step 6, reconnect airbag wiring harness. Step 7, reinstall airbag and tighten screws behind steering wheel. Step 8, reconnect yellow SIR connector and reinstall lower panel under steering column. Step 9, reinstall SIR fuse. Step 10, start car and make sure the airbag dash light flashes 6 or 7 times to indicate everything is working properly.
First, to answer Firebird1991s question. NO, it is absolutely not true that you have to replace the entire airbag assembly to fix the horn buttons. They are actually two completely separate assemblies. I don't have the part # here, it's at work, but the horn assembly is around $26 from GM and consists of two horn buttons with two black ground wires coming off them and two red wires coming off them going to a single plastic spring loaded connector that just slides into a hole in the steering wheel. Very very simple replacement.
Second, for those concerned about accidental airbag deployment the proper procedure is as follows. Step 1, remove the SIR fuse from the fuse panel. Step 2, remove the lower panel under the steering column and locate the yellow connector with the wires labeled SIR and disconnect the connector. Step 3, loosen the 4 bolts behind the steering wheel which will allow the airbag assembly to come out. Step 4, disconnect the wire from the airbag wiring harness. Step 5, make repairs as needed. Step 6, reconnect airbag wiring harness. Step 7, reinstall airbag and tighten screws behind steering wheel. Step 8, reconnect yellow SIR connector and reinstall lower panel under steering column. Step 9, reinstall SIR fuse. Step 10, start car and make sure the airbag dash light flashes 6 or 7 times to indicate everything is working properly.
#17
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Mooresville NC
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: LOWERED ♦ CRIMSON METALFLAKE
Engine: ► 400 KUBES ◄
Transmission: 765R4
Axle/Gears: EATON POSI 4.56
Hornswoggled
HORN BUTTON
Part number: 17989608 switch assembly 2.189
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
Happy Racing!
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
If People Drove Any Slower They’d Be Going Backwards
Fog lights are not driving lights. They look doofy. Turn em off slow pokes.
How bout those nervous nellies too scared to drive without headlights on in the daytime or if there is a little rain!
.
.
Part number: 17989608 switch assembly 2.189
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
Happy Racing!
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
If People Drove Any Slower They’d Be Going Backwards
Fog lights are not driving lights. They look doofy. Turn em off slow pokes.
How bout those nervous nellies too scared to drive without headlights on in the daytime or if there is a little rain!
.
.
#18
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '91 Formula (semi-project)
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Posi
Re: Installing a horn button
It looks like it should be a relatively easy fix, and not having a horn is a a safety issue, so if your horn isn't working, this is definitely a worthwhile thing to do.
EDIT: Oops. Now I see that the post immediately above mine has the part number. With the centered and oddly colored text, I thought it was an ad and skipped right over it. Sorry.
#19
Re: Installing a horn button
I'm replying to this old post because the part number in question, 17989608, horn switch assembly, is no longer available from GM or any dealer source or GM part source I can find. Classic Industries is also out of it and has no suggestions. The plastic housings of this horn switch assembly just crumble with age, so junkyard parts are likely not a good option. Does anyone have a suggestion?
#20
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Mooresville NC
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: LOWERED ♦ CRIMSON METALFLAKE
Engine: ► 400 KUBES ◄
Transmission: 765R4
Axle/Gears: EATON POSI 4.56
Hornswoggled
Originally Posted by whowasat
…….17989608, horn switch assembly, is no longer available from GM or any dealer source or GM part source…….
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
Happy Racing!
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
If People Drove Any Slower They’d Be Going Backwards
#21
Re: Hornswoggled
Thanks for the suggestion, but it turns out that GM-PartsCenter.com is one of several such sources that have listed the part but don't actually have any. They checked their national parts locators and came up empty.
This horn switch assembly was discontinued several years ago. Many 90-92 F-body owners are going to be stuck unless someone can come up with a solution.
This horn switch assembly was discontinued several years ago. Many 90-92 F-body owners are going to be stuck unless someone can come up with a solution.
#22
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Mooresville NC
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 0
Received 10 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: LOWERED ♦ CRIMSON METALFLAKE
Engine: ► 400 KUBES ◄
Transmission: 765R4
Axle/Gears: EATON POSI 4.56
Hornswoggled
You can call Chevy dealers and give them the part number till you find one in stock.
There’s a lot of N.O.S. out there.
But if you don’t want to spend that much time you should be able to find pushbuttons that size at Mouser.com
They sell 23,000 types !
You might have to construct a small flange and bond it to the new button so it will fit the opening.
Also one trick I did to one of my cars is ▬ using a proximity switch, all I have to do is place my hand over the area to blow the horn.
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
Happy Racing!
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
If You Need To See Brake Lights To Know When To Apply Yours . . . . . . . . . GET OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY!
There’s a lot of N.O.S. out there.
But if you don’t want to spend that much time you should be able to find pushbuttons that size at Mouser.com
They sell 23,000 types !
You might have to construct a small flange and bond it to the new button so it will fit the opening.
Also one trick I did to one of my cars is ▬ using a proximity switch, all I have to do is place my hand over the area to blow the horn.
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
Happy Racing!
◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙◙
If You Need To See Brake Lights To Know When To Apply Yours . . . . . . . . . GET OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY!
#23
Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 92 RS Heritage
Engine: 305
Re: Installing a horn button
Here's a pair:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/90-92-Camaro...691016&vxp=mtr
A couple of months ago I got a new pair off Ebay for about the same price, but the shipping was less.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/90-92-Camaro...691016&vxp=mtr
A couple of months ago I got a new pair off Ebay for about the same price, but the shipping was less.
#25
Re: Installing a horn button
This might help. You would need a momentary switch.
http://www.radioshack.com/family/ind...rigkw=switches
http://www.radioshack.com/family/ind...rigkw=switches
#26
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Boyertown, PA
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: 305 TBI (LO3)
Re: Hornswoggled
Finally got around to putting on the correct leather steering wheel for my 1991 vert and both buttons for the horn were completely demolished. I found this thread, and as I got to the bottom of it my heart sunk. I have had ZERO luck in locating a replacement. I don't want to go the route of duct tape/crazy glue modification of buttons to have something look and work haphazardly for a horn. Has anyone had any luck in locating a replacement, or have an extra part # 17989608 around? I have MS and it is hard for me to skulk around in junkyards to locate a suitable replacement. Thanks gang !
#27
Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 92 RS Heritage
Engine: 305
Re: Installing a horn button
A few months ago I swapped out my horn buttons. If I remember correctly, I got them from Hawk's Third Gen. My old ones may still be usable. I'll check and see. If so, you can have them.
#29
Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 92 RS Heritage
Engine: 305
Re: Installing a horn button
These appear to be quite useable. Plastic is solid and not brittle. As insurance, the contacts should probably be bent down just a bit so that you wouldn't have to press so hard to make the contact.
If you still want them, provide me your mailing address and I'll send them to you...no charge.
These came out of a 92 Camaro.
#30
Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 92 RS Heritage
Engine: 305
Re: Installing a horn button
These appear to be quite useable. Plastic is solid and not brittle. As insurance, the contacts should probably be bent down just a bit so that you wouldn't have to press so hard to make the contact.
If you still want them, provide me your mailing address and I'll send them to you...no charge.
These came out of a 92 Camaro.
If you still want them, provide me your mailing address and I'll send them to you...no charge.
These came out of a 92 Camaro.
#31
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Boyertown, PA
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: 305 TBI (LO3)
#32
Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 92 RS Heritage
Engine: 305
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Gloucester,England,UK
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '92 RS Camaro
Engine: 406ci D1SC SBC
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: 9" W/Truetrac
Re: Installing a horn button
You can just see mine under the light switch. Mine in the steering wheel was broken, didn't want to mess with it
#34
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Boyertown, PA
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 91 Trans Am Convertible
Engine: 305 TBI (LO3)
Re: Hornswoggled
Finally got around to putting on the correct leather steering wheel for my 1991 vert and both buttons for the horn were completely demolished. I found this thread, and as I got to the bottom of it my heart sunk. I have had ZERO luck in locating a replacement. I don't want to go the route of duct tape/crazy glue modification of buttons to have something look and work haphazardly for a horn. Has anyone had any luck in locating a replacement, or have an extra part # 17989608 around? I have MS and it is hard for me to skulk around in junkyards to locate a suitable replacement. Thanks gang !
#35
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: San Antonio,TX
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1991 RS
Engine: 305.. for now
Transmission: Auto
Re: Hornswoggled
Still looking....if anyone has any clue about where to find a replacement part I would appreciate it. [I don't want to install a horn button.] Please contact me by e-mail as I work I do not have immediate access to the internet at work. My email is bridgemanjr@yahoo.com. Thanks....as always!
I know this is WAY late, but may help someone else.. GM part #21044209 for the Saturn has the same plungers, but different connectors. The buttons themselves are the same and cane be taken and spliced into our Camaro wiring. That part is still sold and is on Amazon. That is how I worked around my issue. Best of luck!
Rock
#36
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1992 Z28 G92
Engine: 350-245 (B2L)
Transmission: ?
Axle/Gears: G80
Re: Installing a horn button
This is a tired old thread, but the issue with the part persists. Any leads on where to buy a new horn switch? Like a few of these guys, inspection failed due to faulty horn switches. Anyone?
#39
Senior Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: St. Louis
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 91 Z28
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: Installing a horn button
Gonna weigh in here. Classic Industries no longer sells them. Can't seem to find anyone that has a set. May need to do the modification route.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
The_Phoenix
Interior Parts for Sale
12
02-04-2016 07:10 AM