Direct Horn Test

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Some jackass completely screwed up the horn componentry in the steering column of my truck. The horns, the wiring and the relay are all okay, though, and I'd like to test the horns directly. I haven't delved into this project yet because it's like number four on the list, but I'm preparing myself. Anyways, could I use a batter to make a circuit and do a sound test, or should I get an ohmmeter and do a comtinuity test? I like the idea of the sound test, though, because I don't want to verify continuity but later hear a worn out sound coming from a horn.

 

[oneluckypops]

Ground the horn, then hook a jumper from the battery to the terminal, If you about **** yourself its good.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

It's just a single wire going into the horn?

 

[oneluckypops]

It's just a single wire going into the horn?

yup that is correct, the single wire comes from the horn switch and is a +12v wire, the horn is a self grounding unit, Meaning the mounting bracket bolts to the core support. Which supplies the ground to complete the circuit
Just touch the bracket to a negative post and a fused jumper wire to the +battery post

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Tried the horn test finally. I used a test light, and the light lit up, and the horns made a tiny little squeak. What do I do on this front? Pull a set off a junker, or do they make good repros that sound the same?

 

[foamypirate]

Tried the horn test finally. I used a test light, and the light lit up, and the horns made a tiny little squeak. What do I do on this front? Pull a set off a junker, or do they make good repros that sound the same?

The test light is probably acting as a resistor, I would try a plain wire lead. They may work just fine.

 

[Georgeb]

Like this.

 

[1987 GMC Jimmy]

Did the horn test, and they worked great. I traced the purple and green wire all the way into the firewall. I didn't go any further, but I know that there's a horn relay plugged into the "convenience center," and the horn stuff on the steering wheel is all messed up. I know the contact kit is missing and some of the stuff that holds the cup onto the wheel, unless I installed it wrong because the button's just floating. Do I need to trace the wiring to the relay and make sure everything's continuous, or where would y'all go from here?