Things happen for a reason and I’ve yet discover what it is at this point. In general, I rarely use my horn while driving. Most times it doesn’t seem worth the effort. People don’t take it for what it is. Whether it is a rude driver cutting me off or someone staring off into space at a green light. I usually restraining from sounding off for a variety of reasons, usually it’s that I prefer to stay non-confrontational. I think through the responses of my action – in most cases, the horn honking will really piss someone off or they will be frightened by my action.
So to my dismay, a weird electrical glitch ( aren’t they all strange for the most part) has caused me to lose the functionality of my clock, hazards, power antennae, and horn. I assume that they are all related as to the best of my knowledge they all occurred at the same time. But since this time, I have been increasingly agitated at not having the option to use my horn. At least 10 different instances, I’ve found myself wishing bodily harm on drivers who have performed a task that has not been too my liking. Of course the obvious solution is to fix my horn and then the security of the loud noise would be in my corner again. I really haven’t done anything to rectify the situation. I don’t have a good feel for where the wires may lay except for under my dash steering column. As with most electrical problems, I loathe to let any professionals look at it. Electrical problems and auto repair shops generally don’t go together well. It is rarely done right the first time which frustrates me further. But hopefully I can take a look this weekend and then I can at least say I’ve tried. Right now, I’ve only got myself to blame.
Have you checked to make sure it’s not just a blown fuse/fuses?
yup, that was the first thing i did. i even replaced the fuse just to make sure.
Dude! I feel your pain. My accord has a really, really “special” airbag of some kind in the center of the steering wheel that makes honking the horn super-difficult. Usually I get a honk out waaay after the moment I wanted it and end up looking la-ame. I wish more people thought beyond themselves when on the road (stuck in their own little bubble) and learn to: “drive in such a way as to not cause others to compensate for you driving.” (as told in a defensive-driving course required for a university vehicle license)
More and more do i have to deal with idiots, and I thankfully realize I’m not in LA or NYC or similar, and it could be worse. I’m on the road at least 75% of my workweek though, and even out here it gets pretty frustrating (like anywhere). I could go on with the ragin’ but I’m sure everyone has heard it before. I’m with ya Beef, fix that thing and it’s need won’t be as evident anymore (hopefully!)
i keep getting damn XHTML is not well-formatted errors when trying to post!
i’ll try again…
i give up. removed all punctuation from post and i still get the error. i’ll simplify my advice.
use shop forum. this is the google of mercedes diesel repair tips.
don’t think your problems are related. check your backup lights. if these work it isn’t the horn fuse. i’ve had to fix my horn before. removed the cover on the steering wheel and cleaned the mechanical contacts with an emery cloth.
electrical diagrams for a 1983 300DT
the hazard switch is a notorious problem. dirty contacts cause behavior such as loss of turn signals and loss of hazards. you can excercise the switch to (temporarily) fix the problem. alternatively remove the switch and pop it open. there are some small springs and rocker arms inside. clean the contacts well and be sure not to loose any small parts. you can clean the power antenna switch using the same method. note that i had to clean the window switches in your car back when it was my car. this is a really common problem. very likely since there used to be a water leak in your car (high humidity => switch corrosion).
i once fixed my power antenna by putting some corn oil on it.
stick in there. keep up on this minor maintanance and you’ll soon have a dependable 20+ year old car.
Are you trying to copy and paste something? The electrical diagrams will provide a lot of good reading this weekend.