Topic: 2015 WRX - Horn not working

[Rathburn]

Horn not working when I press the steering wheel. Just noticed it a few days ago, went to press the horn and it did nothing, pressed a couple times and got a beep, now nothing at all. 

Confirmed the horn does actually function because it beeps when I depress the lock button 3 times on the key fob. I would think that would rule out the actual horn, the wire connections at the horn, and the fuse for the horn?

Any suggestions as to where to start looking? Some sort of steering wheel issue? Is this maybe a common Subaru problem - clock spring? Don't really know much about this.

Until it's fixed, I will resort to flipping people off, but my finger is gonna get tired real quick.

[Cagare]

Seems that Subaru integrates their horn switches into the air bag assembly. So, if not the fuse, or the horn itself, then it's likely that, have to take the air bag off and inspect, similar this video.



Or, if you don't want to go there just wire up a button somewhere on your dash that's easily replaceable since you seem to use the horn so much. May I suggest a slightly modified "Easy" button in the centre of your dash?

[jellynuts]

Or, if you don't want to go there just wire up a button somewhere on your dash that's easily replaceable since you seem to use the horn so much. May I suggest a slightly modified "Easy" button in the centre of your dash?

It is easy for Chris to get...  Horny. 

[LilDrunkenSmurf]

Clock spring?

[mudferret]

I had a 4runner that would do this, periodic removal of airbag to clean the switch was required. Once I got sick of that I replaced the switch.

[Rathburn]

Clock spring?

That's my thoughts, and from reading a few comments on the internet, seems the most likely at this time.

I will also note that the airbag light has NOT come on.


Is there an easy way to diagnose this without spending 200 bucks on a replacement and ripping apart my steering wheel? Or pretty much you don't know until you replace it?

[diamondedge]

That's my thoughts, and from reading a few comments on the internet, seems the most likely at this time.

I will also note that the airbag light has NOT come on.


Is there an easy way to diagnose this without spending 200 bucks on a replacement and ripping apart my steering wheel? Or pretty much you don't know until you replace it?

Presuming the harness goes down from the steering column, one would find the corresponding connector, unplug it, and test for continuity on the horn +/- circuit when you press on the switch. Bonus points if you turn the wheel through all lock-to-lock to see if it's the clock spring or the part that Cagare posted.

[LilDrunkenSmurf]

I'd say take it into the dealer for warranty, but I forgot that Subaru only has a 3 year warranty. Sucker.
There was a recall on my old GTI clock-spring, to the point that they extended the warranty on it.

[Rathburn]

I'd say take it into the dealer for warranty, but I forgot that Subaru only has a 3 year warranty. Sucker.
There was a recall on my old GTI clock-spring, to the point that they extended the warranty on it.

Car is older than 5 years anyways, so warranty still wouldn't catch it.

Presuming the harness goes down from the steering column, one would find the corresponding connector, unplug it, and test for continuity on the horn +/- circuit when you press on the switch. Bonus points if you turn the wheel through all lock-to-lock to see if it's the clock spring or the part that Cagare posted.

Yeah, I'll have to do some dickin' around in there.

[Mason]

Did you get an alignment recently? Or have the steering wheel off for any reason

[Rathburn]

Did you get an alignment recently? Or have the steering wheel off for any reason

Negative. Car has had nothing done other than oil change and general inspection back in March or April. Horn worked fine after that.

Car is what I would consider to be basically stock, and has not had anything major done to it at all. 

[kijho]

Did you pull it apart yet and check connections/ wires? Unplug / plug itshay back in? Looks like it takes 1 minute to pop off that airbag cover. Disconnect battery first ofcourse.

Skip to 2:00 He just pops a few clips from behind.

[Rathburn]

Did you pull it apart yet and check connections/ wires? Unplug / plug itshay back in? Looks like it takes 1 minute to pop off that airbag cover. Disconnect battery first ofcourse.

Skip to 2:00 He just pops a few clips from behind.

Haven't pulled it apart yet, that's gonna be a weekend job. Thanks for the vid, seems straight forward enough