1998 Cadillac Deville Horn Diagram
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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
The horn on my '98 DeVille started to blast all by itself. Pounding on the horn pad on the steering wheel would usually stop it, at least for the moment. But it was only a matter of time before it would go off again, usually at a very inconvenient time. After some research, I was able to locate and remove the horn relay, which stops my problem but creates another one... no horn or alarm. After searching high and low, and being told by the dealer that it was not repairable, I came up with what I believe is a suitable fix. If I cut the wire (ground) that leads from the horn pad to the horn relay and wire it into a separate switch (self installed), it should function the same way as the horn pad in the steering wheel AND prevent any future problems with the horn pad. The problem is that I can't find any diagrams, etc., that will help me locate that particular wire. If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated. I either need a wiring diagram of the steering wheel/column, or a good description of how to locate the wire in a fairly accessible place. Thanks!
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Discussion Starter · #3 ·
Hi Brian: Thanks for your prompt reply. However, I've already done pretty extensive research on the problem, and I'm not the first one to have it. The problem is with the horn pad IN the airbag assembly. I don't want to mess with it! If I can find the ground wire coming from the horn pad, I'll cut it and kill the horn pad altogether. Then hook the wire going to the relay to a separate switch. Everything will be as original except that the driver will have to press the new horn button instead of the steering wheel pad. Alarm remains intact. I just need to find the right wire!
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:welcome:
The problem is with the horn pad IN the airbag assembly.
I would tend to agree based on what you said. Unless you find someone here who has a FSM for your year and can look it up, you are going to need one (NOT Chiltons or Haynes :tisk) to find a wiring schematic. Ebay is your friend. Either that or a subscription to www.alldatadiy.com
basscatt
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Master of the Dark Art of Diagnostics
2003 DHS - two-2002 DHS, 2003 SLS, 1995 Sedan DeVille, 1989 Coupe DeVille
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21,449 Posts
The horn on my '98 DeVille started to blast all by itself. Pounding on the horn pad on the steering wheel would usually stop it, at least for the moment. But it was only a matter of time before it would go off again, usually at a very inconvenient time. After some research, I was able to locate and remove the horn relay, which stops my problem but creates another one... no horn or alarm. After searching high and low, and being told by the dealer that it was not repairable, I came up with what I believe is a suitable fix. If I cut the wire (ground) that leads from the horn pad to the horn relay and wire it into a separate switch (self installed), it should function the same way as the horn pad in the steering wheel AND prevent any future problems with the horn pad. The problem is that I can't find any diagrams, etc., that will help me locate that particular wire. If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated. I either need a wiring diagram of the steering wheel/column, or a good description of how to locate the wire in a fairly accessible place. Thanks!
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I would like to make a suggestion -
go here - http://www.ebay.com/itm/1997-1998-1...g-module-/141139937708?_trksid=p2054897.l4275 look at the second picture - the one of the back side of the airbag -
use your mouse - and ZOOM IN - to the upper right corner of the pic -
observe the double pink wire -
follow it through the white plastic "tube" -
notice the coil spring -
and the brass "button" on the end -
this is the horn button wire -
if you look closely at the white tube -
you will see some small locking tabs near the coil spring -
the white tube is pushed into a hole in the steering wheel -
and twisted to lock it in place -
I can almost guarantee you - that is what is broken -
and causing your problem -
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the airbag in the link I supplied is $34 with shipping -
you could hit the junkyards - 1997 1998 and 1999 Deville are all the same parts -
if the color of the airbag is wrong -
just cut off the pink wires and the end you need - and splice it into your airbag -
who knows -
you might get lucky and find an airbag that has already been deployed -
then it would probably be free -
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I just hate the thought of a big old doorbell button -
screwed onto the dash with a couple drywall screws -
and a big red wire going down and under the dash - :stirpot:
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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
Hi Ranger: Thanks for your reply. The actual horn relay has a small wiring diagram on it, with numbered wires. However, without the rest of the picture (entire horn circuit) it doesn't help much. I'll try your suggestions. Have a great holiday season!
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Hello basscatt: Thanks for the input (great picture!). I'm guessing the black wires go to ground (?) and the red ones back to the horn relay somehow. Though I greatly appreciate everyone's input on how to fix the problem, I simply can't take a chance on that. Imagine going to the effort to disassemble it, diagnose it, hunt down parts for it, and reassemble it... then pray to God every time you get out of the car that it doesn't go off while your out of earshot from it! Or, simply driving it and all of a sudden it starts blasting in traffic! No, just can't/won't take that chance. And although I, like you, hate the idea of a big ugly button, it beats the h*!! out of the aforementioned scenarios!!! So, I'll continue my quest to locate THE ONE (the wire leading back to the relay). Have a great holiday season and try to stay warm... I'm from Iowa but finally couldn't take it anymore and came to Florida about 25 years ago. Only go back to visit when the weather is nice!
basscatt
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Master of the Dark Art of Diagnostics
2003 DHS - two-2002 DHS, 2003 SLS, 1995 Sedan DeVille, 1989 Coupe DeVille
Joined
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21,449 Posts
Hi Ranger: Thanks for your reply. The actual horn relay has a small wiring diagram on it, with numbered wires. However, without the rest of the picture (entire horn circuit) it doesn't help much. I'll try your suggestions. Have a great holiday season!
----------
Hello basscatt: Thanks for the input (great picture!). I'm guessing the black wires go to ground (?) and the red ones back to the horn relay somehow. Though I greatly appreciate everyone's input on how to fix the problem, I simply can't take a chance on that. Imagine going to the effort to disassemble it, diagnose it, hunt down parts for it, and reassemble it... then pray to God every time you get out of the car that it doesn't go off while your out of earshot from it! Or, simply driving it and all of a sudden it starts blasting in traffic! No, just can't/won't take that chance. And although I, like you, hate the idea of a big ugly button, it beats the h*!! out of the aforementioned scenarios!!! So, I'll continue my quest to locate THE ONE (the wire leading back to the relay). Have a great holiday season and try to stay warm... I'm from Iowa but finally couldn't take it anymore and came to Florida about 25 years ago. Only go back to visit when the weather is nice!
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Imagine going to the effort to disassemble it,
diagnose it, hunt down parts for it, and reassemble it.
that would be easier than what you propose -
but - it IS your car - and you will do as you see fit -
be sure to include pics when/if you ever get it done -
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You are going to have to disassemble it anyway. Once you do and have a look at it, the problem may be exactly what Bass said. Once you see it and repair it, the likely hood of either of your scenarios is slim to none. I'd have a look see anyway.
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be sure to include pics when/if you ever get it done -
I would not do that unless you have VERY thick skin.
Posted by: staceepontiff.blogspot.com
Source: https://www.cadillacforums.com/threads/1998-deville-horn-problems.421922/