Comments on: 1998 Honda Accord – Intermittent Horn

By: jr

jr — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 15:32:55 +0000

hello , my 98 honda accord same problem ,horn dont work and automatic shifs tick hard to put it on drive ,has to put a the unlock key to unlock the parkin to drive .help please.

By: RV

RV — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 08:24:15 +0000

I have a 98 acord, exactly the same fault. The horn works with steering wheel in dead centre only with key out, so the steering lock pin grounds the circuit. I have changed the clockspring because it was apparently the only part that could cause this problem, and its still the same. I tested the horn wiring in the old clockspring and it’s all ok. I’ve checked the wiring through the clockspring, to possibly modify and fit the extra ground wire, and it has the extra slot in the outside connector, but only has 6 wires through the clockspring, assuming it would need 7 wires.. Have I missed something or is mine different, and not possible to do this modification then? If so, is there any other way to do any mods, or what is involved in replacing the original faulty part (the bearing that surrounds the collumn that was mentioned previously) etc? This is a 3Litre V6 vvti 1998 accord (Honda of America) etc.. Thanks!

By: Billy Cobb

Billy Cobb — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 16:15:53 +0000

I’m part of the club also. If I go under the dash and ground he steering column to the frame would that fix the problem without causing a problem with the airbag? If not would you please send me your temporary solution? Thanks

By: Colleen

Colleen — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:46:28 +0000

Hi Randy,

I am experiencing same intermittent horn problem with my 1999 Honda Accord. Have taken to dealership and they wanted me to replace the entire steering wheel. It was suggested I take to another shop to have the “electrical portion” testing before doing that. I would appreciate the details. Thanks

By: Tran

Tran — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 22:39:28 +0000

Hi Randy,

I have a 98 Accord LX. I have the same problem as you described. The mechanic has replaced the horn coil, but the problems still exists.

Please send me your temporary solution…. Thanks.

By: Sam

Sam — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:55:41 +0000

Hey Randy,

I seem to have the same issue with my honda accord 98. We changed the clock spring and now they recommend that we change the steering shaft at $1000. I would like to hear of the alternate grounding method you have using the unused wire. Any other help would be appreciated too.

Gosh I thought I was the only one facing this problem !

Thanks,

Sam

By: Mary Hines

Mary Hines — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:06:58 +0000

Randy, experiencing same intermittent horn problem with my 1998 Honda Accord. I would appreciate the details. Thanks

By: Ruff

Ruff — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:31:11 +0000

Hi Randy – I too, have a horn problem with my 92 Accord. All fuses are fine, and horns have been removed and tested. I see in the Haynes (90-93) manual wiring diagram that a horn relay exist, but it does not tell the location and checking under hood fuse block and interior fuse block, i still cannot find any horn relay. Can you help with my situation?
Many thanks,
Ruff

By: Bill

Bill — Sun, 03 May 2009 17:02:19 +0000

Hi Randy,

This is very good information. My Accord 92 has the intermittent horn problem too. I have spent a lot of time trouble-shooting. It turned out to be the ground problem just like yours. But I’m not as lucky because the cable reel on 92 accord is different than 98, there is no empty slot.

thanks for the posting.

Bill

By: Randy

Randy — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 15:48:44 +0000

Orv,

Assuming it’s not the horn relay, you probably have the same issue: the horn’s ground comes through the steering column.

Either you’ll have to pony up the cash to get a new one, or find another way of grounding your steering wheel. I used an “empty” signal line in the cable reel (aka “clock spring”) to route the ground through, but I think that “empty” spot was meant to isolate the airbag signals from the horn and cruise buttons. So there may be a (slight) risk that the airbag could accidentally deploy (or not!) from this modification, so it’s definitely at your own risk!

With the steering wheel covers off, bolts out, and airbag assembly out, you should be looking at the clock spring/cable reel. There’s a connector-looking thing on the front, with wire coming out of each slot, except one. That’s the one I used to ground my wheel. I jammed a wire in there, and the other end bolted to the wheel. Then, on the back side of the clock spring, there’s a connector where the cruise and horn signals leave from the wheel. One of the pins on that connector has continuity to the empty slot I jammed the wire in. I ran *that* wire to a good ground, and that resolved my problem completely!

Good luck.