89 4runner Horn Not Working

[surferBill]

hello everyone,

just bought a 89 4runner and noticed after the sale that the horn is not working. I checked the fuse for the horn and that is fine. I have read posts mentioning of a relay under the steering column, but have not checked that yet. If there is one there, would it be clearly marked for the horn? Also, is it likely that the horn itself may be dead. If so, is there any easy way to test before going out and buying a new one... Also, if the horn itself is the problem, this will save from looking for other problems, but I doubt there are any wiring issues since the fuse does not blow (no shorts).

Also, the engine temperature gauge is not working... Was wondering if this could be related? I also know that the truck does have a trailer wiring bundle installed, so perhaps this may be affecting these areas... Any advise on either of these two issues would be greatly appreciated. Thx!

[bbagwell]

To test the horn itself just run a wire from the horn and touch it to the battery. If the horn works it will beep. Check the contacts on the steering wheel too. The horn didn't work on my 84 and I found the horn itself work and the contacts were good. I used a push button starter button and wired the horn to that.

I would suspect your temp gauge doesn't work because of something with the sending unit. On my 83 it is right buy the thermostat housing.

[surferBill]

I did some more testing today and found that the horn is good by connecting straight to the battery and hearing the beep. I also tested the connector to the horn and I was receiving power in one of the terminals, which I also believe is ok. Next, I checked the steering wheel and the contacts on the wheel. Here I found the contact appear ok, but I have a question. There is one wire coming out of the steering column/wheel that connects to the steering wheel horn contact mechinism. Should this wire have power in it? When I tested the wire, there was no power, even with the key in the ACC position. I believe this wire is supposed to have power since the circuit will complete to the horn by pressing the steering wheel to ground the wire. However, since there is no power in that wire, I am thinking there is a disconnect somewhere between the horn and the steering wheel. Does anyone know if a relay or some other thing may be killing power to the steering wheel, even though there is power at the horn itself? Any advice is greatly appreciated. thx!

[surferBill]

got it figured out and fixed. actually it is a ground wire which runs to the steering column that when grounded though the press button horn, completes the circuit and beeps the horn. Next is the temp gauge.

[Wyo.Yoata]

Every state around Wyoming has a toyota club,what is that all about?!!! we have just as much awsome offroading as the rest and maybe better than some most how about some of us get one going? i would be more than glad to head it and what have ya. I know some REALLY good spots and places that would make a challenge for any offroader in the surrounding states. If folks are intrested let me know huh ? im in the southwest corner of the state and i know about all the sticks there are to know. some food for thought.