1956 F100 Horn Problem

[wolfords]

I'm working on a 1956 Ford F100 pickup and the horn started clicking at the relay, so I installed a new relay but am still having the same problem. Any suggestions? Thank you!

[KULTULZ]

Jump the relay (PWR-BAT) to the horn and see if it sounds.

[rotorwrench]

There may be a short in the grounding circuit in the steering column.

[ahshoe]

Good horn grounds are are a must. Grind paint to clean metal at ground.

[wolfords]

The wire from the button to the frame rail?Looks good

[KULTULZ]

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If the relay 'clicks', it shows a signal from the horn switch. The problem most likely is in the horn circuit (incl horn and/or GRD) after the relay or a bad signal from the hot wire (BAT).

[dmsfrr]

IF the horn circuit wiring of a '56 F100 is the same as the '55/'57 cars, the same Battery + wire from the voltage regulator that powers the relay also powers the horns.

The switch contacts in the relay for the horns could be bad, but you replaced it already. Maybe the wire to the horn(s), the horns themselves, or their ground?. Were those parts recently painted?

Run a temporary jumper wire from the Positive terminal of the battery (or starter solenoid) directly to the power terminal on the horn(s) to see if they work.
.

[wolfords]

Thank you! I've run a jumper wire from the relay power to the horn and it works. I've also tried a jumper wire from the horn side to the horn with nothing. I have sparks at the steering wheel and at the relay marked "S". I haven't pulled the wire out of the steering column but it looks good on both ends. Maybe I have a defective relay? I haven't painted the horns. Thanks again.

[dmsfrr]

If the wire thru the steering column has worn or crumbling insulation and is grounding out when it shouldn't, the relay and horn would be activated each time.

My guess is that the relay has an internal problem. Depending on the version you have you can open them up to look inside and clean the switch contacts if needed.

Originally Posted by wolfords

... I have sparks at the steering wheel and at the relay marked "S". ...

There shouldn't be sparks except for very very small ones. It's possible that the wire from the relay to the horn is shorted to ground and frying the relay switch contacts.
You can connect a test light to the H - horn terminal on the relay to see if it's working properly.
Or use a continuity tester to see if the wire from the relay to the horn is shorted to ground with both ends disconnected.
.

[wolfords]

Thank you very much! Going to send the relay back!