FIXED - Horn Not Working

[smudger28]

Hi Guys

I have been working my way through my sons 86 MK2 Scirocco electrical problems and I've finally reached the horn issue.

No horn when the steering buttons are pressed.

It's fitted with a dual horn. I have disconnected the left horn as you look under the bonnet and put 12v across the terminals and it works. I haven't managed to get to the right side yet as I need better access.

I have checked the earth return and the 12v line to the left horn connector and both are sound.

The thing I've noticed is relay 53 does not click when the steering buttons are pressed.

Can I just pop any multi purpose VW 53 relay in to test it or does it have to be a legacy item?

Thanks

Paul and Dawson

[mark1gls]

Yes try another 53 relay.

I believe VW wired the horn with a constant live and when you press the horn button it’s earthed.

[mark1gls]

Maybe some help?

https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.ph ... -working_4

Search Mk1 Golf as there’s a few threads on the subject.

[smudger28]

I tested the Relay 53 with a 9v battery across the teminals and it clicks over with good continuity. I had the steering wheel off last night and the brass ring and leaf spring are all good and intact. However I think I may have a dodgy steering rack earth. Going to look at that today if I can find it!

[smudger28]

Maybe some help?

https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.ph ... -working_4

Search Mk1 Golf as there’s a few threads on the subject.

I've been looking in the right area then. I wish people would post the results whether it fixes it or not.

[smudger28]

The steering rack earth is good. I'm a bit stumped now.

[GT_II]

Do you have the wiring diagram?

[smudger28]

Do you have the wiring diagram?

I have the Haynes manual one but it's not great to follow. I beginning to think I've not got power to the back of the fuse board hence why the relay 53 won't click over. How easy is it to drop the fuse board and get to the back plugs?

When I took the relay out to test it the sockets in the board looked a bit green.

[GT_II]

Green doesn't sound good - suggests water has got in there, possibly due to the plenum chamber drain outlets becoming blocked.

I've never explored that area, but with the position it's in and with so many multi-way connectors behind, I'm guessing you need to be a bit of a contortionist to access them.

The Haynes team obviously gave it a miss, as there is no help in there. I'll have a look at the official workshop manual later.

[smudger28]

Thank you GT_II

[GT_II]

Sadly there is no info in the official manual either, beyond which relay position relates to each function.

Ebay listing 275607382087 is worth a look, to get an idea of connections and attachment of the board. It looks like there is just one screw to remove at the lower edge of the board and then it should lift upwards then towards you to release it from the slots in the metal brackets either side.

[smudger28]

I was going to buy a spare fuse board on ebay the other day as it had all the relays. Wish I did now.

I think the way ahead would be see if there is 12v at the fuse board where Relay 53 connects on socket 86. Then check the earth connection of Relay 53 on socket 85. I know the relay operates out of the car it's just not clicking in the car. In my mind that means the permanent live is missing on 86 or the earth is missing on 85 therefore not switching the relay over to provide power to the horns via 87 of the relay.

I will check on Monday as the boy is away tomorrow.

[mark1gls]

It is fairly easy to drop the fuse box down, I would disconnect the battery before attempting this.
Remove the 1 screw on the bottom and the fuse box tips forward at the bottom and it should lift up a little to remove it from the hangers.
You need to go carefully with old wires and when putting it back make sure there is no wire trapped.

When I’ve had to do anything major with the fuse box I find removing the passenger seat from the car can help with access.

Great guide on what’s what with the fuse boxes.

https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.ph ... g-layout_2

[GT_II]

A preview of what you should find inside the fuse box - imagine the havoc some water could cause in there:

https://i.redd.it/05y8mcbiet441.jpg

[smudger28]

Oh wow!

I didn't think the front cover actually came off. That will make it easy to clean any corroded connectors. Thanks for the Pic. Ah that's the back not the front. Does the front cover come off too?