2000 Toyota Tundra V-8, Horn Won't Work

by David
(Houston, TX USA)

I have checked all fuses,even alarm. I have hard wired the horn to check them and they work. This has been an ongoing problem for 3 years now. In the past I would take apart steering wheel and clean contacts and the horn would work for a very short time and go out. Tried it this time and nothing PLEASE HELP

Steve Says,

Thanks for using my website. It sounds like you might have a problem with that connection that you kept cleaning. You might need to buy another clockspring to put in your steering wheel.

Many times connections like these get worse and worse over time. They are in a bad location that is hard to clean and is prone to getting grease and dirt in them. Then of course you have the problem of the steering wheel needing to turn all the time. This makes for a complicated connection. Every time the steering wheel turns it also is wearing off parts of the copper wire that makes the connection. In an ideal situation a connection is in a protected place with insulation around it to keep it from corroding and causing a bad connection, but with it inside the steering wheel and needing to be able to turn with it, it doesn't work optimally.

This steering wheel electrical connection is a very common one to have problems because of all the reasons stated above. This is why it is the most likely cause of your horn issue. It is possible that you have a bad connection somewhere else though too. Usually at the base of the steering wheel there is another connection that sometimes is a problem, especially if it hangs down and your feet catch on it. It probably is just loose if it has any problems. You can check it easily by crawling under your dash and pushing the connectors together. There are usually a few different ones under there but most of the time there are only one or two that go to the steering column.

There could also be an issue with the wiring in another part of the engine compartment as well, but this is not as likely.

It sounds like this connection just finally went completely out. I wish I could help more, but this is the best I can do with the information that you gave me. I hope you figure it out and it does not cost too much to repair it or have it repaired. Don't be afraid to take it to a professional if needed, just make sure they are good mechanics that know what they are doing.