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Subject:Re: Smacked the steering wheel and the van died
From:Mike South
Date:Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:33:02 -0500

You might take the wheel off and look at the ring and see if you are getting
the problem described here:

http://usedeurovanparts.com/library_article.php?id=318

There's something that happens with that ring where it starts sounding bad
and then eventually you get to all horn all the time.

My Fox used to honk if the other keys dangling on the ring swung in and
closed the contact.

mike

On Thu, Apr 15, 2010 at 4:03 PM, Mark A Kippert <vanagon@kippert.com> wrote:

> Yesterday when I left work something very odd happened.
> 1) I started the van. 2) Backed out of my space. 3) To my surprise, turning
> the wheel the wheel honks the horn about twice per rotation (beep, beep,
> beep...). 4) As I drive forward I pull up slightly on the wheel thinking
> this would help. Nope (duh). 5) I have to get home so as I drive forward the
> horn is tooting so I smacked the steering wheel and I stop dead in my
> tracks! What the heck!
>
> So I turned off the ignition, turn it back on and start the van. ALL IS
> WELL!
>
> The problem is gone and has not recurred. I'm not sure what to think.
>
> The horn contact under the steering wheel had started making a rubbing
> sound a few weeks ago and about a week ago I pulled the wheel, put some
> dielectric grease on it and put it back on. I do know the PO installed a new
> ignition switch assy about 5 years ago (key doesn't match doors).
>
> Mark K
> 1986 GL/2WD/4SPD "Old Gold"
> 1990 Carat/2WD/Auto "Carol"
>