left turn signal makes the horn honk!? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**passthebuck** · 03-04-2005, 02:33 AM

Hey all. when I try & signal for a left turn, the horn honks... Its kinda funny for a while until the guy in front of you is lookin at you with a "whats your problem?!" look in the rearview mirror. Do I need a new turn signal or something else? Thanks for your help...

cdowns · 03-04-2005, 05:34 AM

it's probablly a bad wire in the steering column,you'll have to remove the steering wheel and check the turn signal switch something there is making contact with the steering shaft causing the horn to blow

Longhorn Man · 03-04-2005, 08:17 AM

does your turn signal lever wiggle at all? I've seen manyu columns like this where the screw that holds the turn signal lever becomes loose and grounds out the horn.
If it does wiggle, just need to pull the steering wheel, (a puller is required...can be had pretty cheap, and a tool worth having) and tighten the small philips screw retaining the lever. You'll want to inspect the plastic that the screw goes into, becouse it is very common for that plastic to split making it imposable to tighten.

**passthebuck** · 03-04-2005, 07:32 PM

the handle is totally wiggly & has been for some time but I've been too lazy to bother to pull the wheel. this is a good tip Longhorn Man. thanx. I'll check it out...

Longhorn Man · 03-04-2005, 07:47 PM

If you were to go out and look in the hole in the colimn where your turn signal lever comes out, and wiggle the lever...I'd bet you'll see a spark or two as the horn sounds off....more obviouse at night of course.

avejoe · 03-04-2005, 08:05 PM

If you are too lazy to fix the problem, just use your horn button to make left hand turns.

**smitty62** · 03-04-2005, 09:01 PM

You could drive around a circle (counterclockwise) until the horn burned out!

stickshift_or_walk · 03-07-2005, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

...tighten the small philips screw retaining the lever. You'll want to inspect the plastic that the screw goes into, becouse it is very common for that plastic to split making it imposable to tighten.

Ok, since this one seems to have played out, and passthebuck may learn he has my same problem, let me ask a related question.

Indeed the plastic thingy was broken under the screw, so we replaced just that top yoke with a kit from the Help! section.

Problem is, the PO used a sheet metal screw to hold the signal lever in the hole, and it is stripped. I suspect it was originally machine threads, but now I can't get any screw/bolt to grab in that hole.

Recommendations? What is that screw supposed to be, and what does it thread into? What will need to be replaced?

Thanks...SSOW

*screamin_c102* · 03-07-2005, 04:58 PM

JB-Weld or 2-part Epoxy the screw in place. Use just a dab of grease on the threads, this will enable you to remove the screw at a later date. You actually can tap threads into JB weld for larger repairs.

schurg · 11-21-2011, 09:25 PM

I hate bringin up old topics..but this is happening to my truck as well. the screw that holds the signal lever in place is hitting the horn disk. the previous owner must've had issues and put a hex screw in to hold the lever in place. I have filed it down to nearly nothing and it still hits the disk (this must have been going on for a while as the old disk was destroyed when I pulled it out and there was a pile of shaving in the bottom of the column :P ). does anyone have a pic of the screw that is supposed to be in there? thread wise, head wise, etc. thanks

FLcustom10 · 11-21-2011, 09:51 PM

Here's the head. I could have shown you the threads about an hour ago, but I'm not taking the steering wheel back off now!

schurg · 11-21-2011, 09:57 PM

thanks! that helps...what's weird is it looks like where my screw goes is further to the right then yours...the head is halfway under the disk. I gotta say, thats a damn clean lookin dash you got there, very nice!

FLcustom10 · 11-21-2011, 10:13 PM

Thanks! Here's another view from an angle with the old cracked switch to see if that gives you any hints.

schurg · 11-21-2011, 11:14 PM

thanks again...I swear I must have the wrong column, signal switch or turn signal lever...lol...things just dont look like that in my truck.

Rooster's 67 · 11-22-2011, 12:29 AM

9 out of 10 failures with this symptom will be a failed turn signal switch. if the screw is loose tightening will generally be a temp fix, replacement is due.

love draggin up six year old threads...lol

schurg · 11-22-2011, 12:48 AM

my switch assembly is new, unfortunately I gotta work with what I have. if I go to napa and get a switch assembly for a '68 c10, that's what I get, if the column is out of something else, which is what I'm starting to think, then things might not work out so well..lol. I bought some parts from lmc recently and only 1 part worked (horn button parts, turn signal cam, shift indicator lens). I can only take a trip to the hardware store and try to find an ultra low profile screw and slam er in there

and I feel some of these threads are timeless, no?

domeier · 11-22-2011, 01:16 AM

If you turn right, does it backfire?

BlazinC5 · 11-22-2011, 03:44 AM

hee hee hee, This thread reminds me of a pickup my dad handed down to my older brother. It was a 1982 chev with a 6.2 diesel and an automatic. One day the high beams quit working and eventualy outa frustration my brother hit the steering wheel with his fist. bumping the horn. The high beams came on. Ah HAH. honk the horn and they came on.. Bad part was you didn't want to touch the gear selector on the column when ya honk the horn. It would shock the crap outa you.

I think dad did take that thing apart and found the bad wires but not before my brother tricked a few people including his at the time girlfriend into touching the selector.

**passthebuck** · 11-22-2011, 11:27 AM

Wow - I posted this one a long time ago!

I ended up replacing the signal switch because the screw wouldn't hold...

mr48chev · 11-22-2011, 11:36 AM

At least Schurg knew it was an ancient topic but he had had the same problem. That is something that happens to almost all of us who have one of these trucks and in fact I need to change the turn switch out on mine now.

**CC69Rat** · 11-22-2011, 08:49 PM

I'd just drive around with my blinker on and the horn honkin and act like I didn't notice. .. and just watch people.

No, I don't get out much ..

chevy72blu · 04-13-2013, 12:29 PM

Bumping this now ancient thread, again!

Got my truck back on the road for the first time in years yesterday and you can imagine my (and the adjacent drivers) surprise when my left resulted in a HOOOONK. I used hand signals for the rest of the test drive

I havent gotten my wheel off yet, but I suspect its the signal lever being loose on the switch body. It had been wobbly for years when I was driving it. Perhaps I'll just go ahead and replace the whole thing to save me a headache later.

NCBowtie · 04-13-2013, 05:28 PM

I had this problem a month or two ago. Unfortunately, my horn eventually started honking at random so I couldn't just ignore it. Kind of makes you want to crawl down in your seat when it happens.

My brake lights also stopped working when I had the left signal on before any of the honking started too.

03-04-2005, 02:33 AM	#1
passthebuck Sisyphus was my mentor! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario CANADA Posts: 984	left turn signal makes the horn honk!? Hey all. when I try & signal for a left turn, the horn honks... Its kinda funny for a while until the guy in front of you is lookin at you with a "whats your problem?!" look in the rearview mirror. Do I need a new turn signal or something else? Thanks for your help... __________________ passthebuck #5642 -TWO 1967 GMC 910's. One with L6/3-on-the tree and the other with 355 w/435hp & a 700r4. -a 2013 Honda Civic as my "sensible" car

03-04-2005, 05:34 AM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	it's probablly a bad wire in the steering column,you'll have to remove the steering wheel and check the turn signal switch something there is making contact with the steering shaft causing the horn to blow __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY Last edited by cdowns; 03-04-2005 at 08:01 AM.

03-04-2005, 07:32 PM	#4
passthebuck Sisyphus was my mentor! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario CANADA Posts: 984	the handle is totally wiggly & has been for some time but I've been too lazy to bother to pull the wheel. this is a good tip Longhorn Man. thanx. I'll check it out... __________________ passthebuck #5642 -TWO 1967 GMC 910's. One with L6/3-on-the tree and the other with 355 w/435hp & a 700r4. -a 2013 Honda Civic as my "sensible" car

03-04-2005, 08:05 PM	#6
avejoe Custer had a plan too. Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: No. California Posts: 344	If you are too lazy to fix the problem, just use your horn button to make left hand turns. __________________ 72 K15 GMC (aka Big White) Performance Rockers, Cab Corners, and Floors Fossil Fuel Glutton Neighborhood Nuisance 98 BMW 540i for Speed (Sold ) 05 Subaru Outback for mileage

03-04-2005, 09:01 PM	#7
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	You could drive around a circle (counterclockwise) until the horn burned out! __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

03-04-2005, 08:17 AM	#3
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	does your turn signal lever wiggle at all? I've seen manyu columns like this where the screw that holds the turn signal lever becomes loose and grounds out the horn. If it does wiggle, just need to pull the steering wheel, (a puller is required...can be had pretty cheap, and a tool worth having) and tighten the small philips screw retaining the lever. You'll want to inspect the plastic that the screw goes into, becouse it is very common for that plastic to split making it imposable to tighten.

03-04-2005, 07:47 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	If you were to go out and look in the hole in the colimn where your turn signal lever comes out, and wiggle the lever...I'd bet you'll see a spark or two as the horn sounds off....more obviouse at night of course.

03-07-2005, 04:58 PM	#9
screamin_c102 Account Suspended Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Yoncalla Oregon Posts: 775	JB-Weld or 2-part Epoxy the screw in place. Use just a dab of grease on the threads, this will enable you to remove the screw at a later date. You actually can tap threads into JB weld for larger repairs.

11-21-2011, 09:25 PM	#10
schurg Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: richmond, va Posts: 140	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? I hate bringin up old topics..but this is happening to my truck as well. the screw that holds the signal lever in place is hitting the horn disk. the previous owner must've had issues and put a hex screw in to hold the lever in place. I have filed it down to nearly nothing and it still hits the disk (this must have been going on for a while as the old disk was destroyed when I pulled it out and there was a pile of shaving in the bottom of the column :P ). does anyone have a pic of the screw that is supposed to be in there? thread wise, head wise, etc. thanks

11-21-2011, 09:51 PM	#11
FLcustom10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 322	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? Here's the head. I could have shown you the threads about an hour ago, but I'm not taking the steering wheel back off now! Attached Images

11-21-2011, 09:57 PM	#12
schurg Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: richmond, va Posts: 140	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? thanks! that helps...what's weird is it looks like where my screw goes is further to the right then yours...the head is halfway under the disk. I gotta say, thats a damn clean lookin dash you got there, very nice!

11-21-2011, 10:13 PM	#13
FLcustom10 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 322	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? Thanks! Here's another view from an angle with the old cracked switch to see if that gives you any hints. Attached Images

11-21-2011, 11:14 PM	#14
schurg Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: richmond, va Posts: 140	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? thanks again...I swear I must have the wrong column, signal switch or turn signal lever...lol...things just dont look like that in my truck.

11-22-2011, 12:29 AM	#15
Rooster's 67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: DFW Posts: 765	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? 9 out of 10 failures with this symptom will be a failed turn signal switch. if the screw is loose tightening will generally be a temp fix, replacement is due. love draggin up six year old threads...lol __________________ The problem with America is stupidity. I'm not saying there should be a capital punishment for stupidity, but why don't we just take the safety labels off of everything and let the problem solve itself?

11-22-2011, 12:48 AM	#16
schurg Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: richmond, va Posts: 140	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? my switch assembly is new, unfortunately I gotta work with what I have. if I go to napa and get a switch assembly for a '68 c10, that's what I get, if the column is out of something else, which is what I'm starting to think, then things might not work out so well..lol. I bought some parts from lmc recently and only 1 part worked (horn button parts, turn signal cam, shift indicator lens). I can only take a trip to the hardware store and try to find an ultra low profile screw and slam er in there and I feel some of these threads are timeless, no?



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11-22-2011, 01:16 AM	#17
domeier Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 784	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? If you turn right, does it backfire?

11-22-2011, 03:44 AM	#18
BlazinC5 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cheney Washinton Posts: 378	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? hee hee hee, This thread reminds me of a pickup my dad handed down to my older brother. It was a 1982 chev with a 6.2 diesel and an automatic. One day the high beams quit working and eventualy outa frustration my brother hit the steering wheel with his fist. bumping the horn. The high beams came on. Ah HAH. honk the horn and they came on.. Bad part was you didn't want to touch the gear selector on the column when ya honk the horn. It would shock the crap outa you. I think dad did take that thing apart and found the bad wires but not before my brother tricked a few people including his at the time girlfriend into touching the selector. __________________ 71 2wd Blazer My build, Restarted 05 Buell firebolt 94 1500 Z71 No rice for me,,, I'm full

11-22-2011, 11:27 AM	#19
passthebuck Sisyphus was my mentor! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario CANADA Posts: 984	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? Wow - I posted this one a long time ago! I ended up replacing the signal switch because the screw wouldn't hold... __________________ passthebuck #5642 -TWO 1967 GMC 910's. One with L6/3-on-the tree and the other with 355 w/435hp & a 700r4. -a 2013 Honda Civic as my "sensible" car

11-22-2011, 11:36 AM	#20
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,305	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? At least Schurg knew it was an ancient topic but he had had the same problem. That is something that happens to almost all of us who have one of these trucks and in fact I need to change the turn switch out on mine now.

11-22-2011, 08:49 PM	#21
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,205	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? I'd just drive around with my blinker on and the horn honkin and act like I didn't notice. .. and just watch people. No, I don't get out much .. __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

04-13-2013, 12:29 PM	#22
chevy72blu Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,188	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? Bumping this now ancient thread, again! Got my truck back on the road for the first time in years yesterday and you can imagine my (and the adjacent drivers) surprise when my left resulted in a HOOOONK. I used hand signals for the rest of the test drive I havent gotten my wheel off yet, but I suspect its the signal lever being loose on the switch body. It had been wobbly for years when I was driving it. Perhaps I'll just go ahead and replace the whole thing to save me a headache later. __________________ RIP EastSideLowLife '72 C20 SWB convert. 5 lug, LS1/4l60e

04-13-2013, 05:28 PM	#23
NCBowtie Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Seagrove, NC Posts: 50	Re: left turn signal makes the horn honk!? I had this problem a month or two ago. Unfortunately, my horn eventually started honking at random so I couldn't just ignore it. Kind of makes you want to crawl down in your seat when it happens. My brake lights also stopped working when I had the left signal on before any of the honking started too.

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