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Old 09-30-2019, 03:42 PM   #1
Ritzy1
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Default Shocking horn!

Blew the horn on my 48 sedan yesterday and got a shock. Don't remember that happening before. Insulator is new. Hadn't noticed that before, but haven't had the need to blown the horn much either since it's been on the road. Any idea why that would happen?
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Old 09-30-2019, 03:44 PM   #2
JSeery
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Default Re: Shocking horn!

That is an issue that has been reported before here on the Barn. Don't remember the cause at the moment!

From supereal post:

"Early horn circuits were simply a connection to a battery source, and other side to a switch, usually a horn button or ring on the steering wheel. Horns draw a lot of current, so a relay was added. This produced a side effect of creating a slight shock from the collapse of the relay coil to tingle the user. Then a resistance wire was added to reduce or eliminate the shock. Next to the starter, the horn(s) often draw a a heavy current."

petehoovie posted this

This thread from the EFV8 Club Site:


Discussion Topic: Horn Button Shocks -- page: 1 2

joe b 08-26-2015 @ 7:53 AM reply profile send p.m.
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I noticed my steering wheel on my '41 was a bit loose. I tightened it and now I notice my horn button shocks me. I have to be grounded such as resting my left arm on the door sill. It is more of a tingle than a profanity causing shock. What should I check?


deluxe40 08-26-2015 @ 9:05 AM reply profile send p.m.
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I had a '50 Ford that did that. I kept thinking there were bugs on my arm. The wire that runs up the steering column has a low current from the horn relay that is looking for ground. When you push the button, you ground the back side to the steering wheel engaging the relay and causing the horn to honk. There must be a short between the contacts on the back side of the button and the front of the button that you touch with your hand.


joe b 08-26-2015 @ 9:49 AM reply profile send p.m.
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Thanks deluxe. I put the horn wire back where it was. I will check it's location. May need a bit of electrical tape.


Old Henry 08-26-2015 @ 10:26 AM reply profile send p.m.
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The horn ring in my 47 used to tingle my arm resting on the window seal. I replaced the horn wire from the engine compartment connection with the stock resistor style wire and it went away.

Available at C&G here: http://cgfordparts.com/ufolder/cgcat...&sp=Search+%23

Or at Mac's here: http://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_me...rn+button+wire

This message was edited by Old Henry on 8-26-15 @ 5:01 PM
joe b 08-26-2015 @ 12:42 PM reply profile send p.m.
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Thanks for this Henry. It is inexpensive enough to give it a try. Will report back when installed.


supereal 08-28-2015 @ 8:31 PM reply profile send p.m.
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The horn relay acts like a little ignition coil. When the button makes contact and pulls the relay, the relay coil is charged. When the button is released, the magnetic field in the relay collapses and the "spark" discharges to the horn button or ring, giving a shock if you hand is on the button. Many manufacturers used a resistance wire from the steering wheel to the relay to prevent the shock. You can do the same with a one ohm resistor in series with the horn button wire.

Last edited by JSeery; 09-30-2019 at 04:03 PM.
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Old 09-30-2019, 05:30 PM   #3
Ritzy1
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Default Re: Shocking horn!

Thanks J. Shame on me for not searching first. I've got to do some investigating . . .
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Old 10-01-2019, 04:26 AM   #4
big job
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Default Re: Shocking horn!

Mine does that all the time. I wonder if a diode would work maybe not.
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Old 10-01-2019, 08:23 AM   #5
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Default Re: Shocking horn!

Would a small condenser work? Maybe from small gas engine. Just curious.
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Old 10-01-2019, 08:34 AM   #6
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Default Re: Shocking horn!

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Quote:
Originally Posted by 5851a View Post
Would a small condenser work? Maybe from small gas engine. Just curious.
Maybe, condenser, diode don't know dealing with DC ground that is getting
a spike like said from the relay. Seems to be its a 1948 & back, later 49's
and up don't have that problem. Nothing to lose try a points condenser. Been said or I have never got a shock from DC except a plug wire. Guess we need
a computer geek kid ??? has to be a simple answer ?
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Old 10-01-2019, 08:42 AM   #7
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Default Re: Shocking horn!

I'm not sure a condenser is the right way to go here. Why not do what Ford did to address the issue and add a resistor?
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Old 10-01-2019, 11:05 AM   #8
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Default Re: Shocking horn!

My '47 does this, I just don't touch anything metal when I toot the horn. If I'm leaning on the garnish molding I'll feel it in my arm.
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Old 10-01-2019, 01:34 PM   #9
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Default Re: Shocking horn!

Just put a low Ohms resistor in series with the wire from the button or horn ring.
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Old 10-01-2019, 04:13 PM   #10
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Default Re: Shocking horn!

Ok was just curious. I don't have one but do remember getting shocked pretty good.
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Old 10-01-2019, 08:39 PM   #11
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Default Re: Shocking horn!

Could it be a poor ground and when you push the horn button its finding ground via your body? Just a thought.
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