Got the horn!

[GlynMo]

Yesterday I had the dashboard out on my car ('98 500) to re-attach the light switches and fit one of (forgotten his handle)'s replacement warning light strips. I decided to remove the steering wheel to give better access and, whilst I was wiggling it off, I got one hell of a surprise when the horn (at least I assume it was the horn, I've not heard it before!) came on, and stayed on. It was LOUD! The only way I could turn it off was to disconnect the battery. I don't think it was the alarm because (a) it wasn't on (b) the horn was constant on (c) the alarm fob made no difference and (d) there were no flashing indicators. However, when I reconnected the battery, there was a series of clicking noises, getting faster, then it started again, so off with the battery again. I finished the work on the dash today and reconnected the battery again ready to try to source the problem and - no horn. Anyone got an explanation please?

[Barreti]

Activating the horn is done by simply arcing the wire off the back of the button to earth. This is why the horn button has the metal clip on it - it ensures a good connection to the steering wheel.

If you pulled off the steering wheel and left the wire to dangle it probably just earthed against something and while you was working on the dash you moved it.

[GlynMo]

No, I didn't take the wheel off in the end, the dash came out ok with it on. Obviously, I'd removed the horn push, but the wire was well away from anything it could earth through.

[GlynMo]

Just had a thought. Does anyone know where the wire from the horn push runs? Is it possible that it was trapped when I dropped the column on the adjuster? Sounds unlikely, but....