Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

Relocating horn switch to center dash

SnakeDoctor

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Apr 3, 2025
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Florida
Ive got a 2001 TJ that the horns are in-op now. I think a bad switch in the steering wheel took it out since there were random times the horn would just blare until you hit the horn switch. Since I'm fairly certain its a bad switch, id like to re-locate the switch to the center dash near the 12V outlet with the factory rocker switch. If I go about doing this where is the best place to get the horn wires from? Id like to not cut or splice and just de-pin a connector if thats even possible.

I jumpered the terminals where the rely goes, I get continuity with my multimeter but no sound out of the horns, leading to believe the horns themselves have gone bad now.

I drive my Jeep on a few occasions so its not exactly a pressing matter just something Id like to work on when time permits. I looked through various threads and others just stated they did the same but never really discussed how they went about it.

I appreciate any help. Im a new member but ive been tinkering with my Jeep since 2018 when I bought it. 2001 Wrangler Sport 5spd, 4.0L.
 
your clockspring is prob bad if the horn doesnt work anymore and it did that bs before. replace that.


from google.

Yes, in a 2001 Jeep TJ, the clockspring is responsible for making the electrical connection between the steering wheel, airbag, and horn, and other devices, to the vehicle's electrical system, including the horn.

Here's a more detailed explanation:
  • What a clockspring is:
    A clockspring, also known as a spiral-wound rotary electrical conductor, allows the steering wheel to turn while maintaining an electrical connection.

  • Function in a 2001 TJ:
    It connects the steering wheel airbag, horn, and other devices to the vehicle's electrical system.

  • Troubleshooting:
    If your horn isn't working, or if the airbag warning light stays on, a faulty clockspring could be the issue.
 
Funny that I was thinking of doing the same on my 2001. I pulled the fuse after having several people track me down at the bar to tell me the horn was blasting.
 
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Reactions: lBasket
your clockspring is prob bad if the horn doesnt work anymore and it did that bs before. replace that.


from google.

Yes, in a 2001 Jeep TJ, the clockspring is responsible for making the electrical connection between the steering wheel, airbag, and horn, and other devices, to the vehicle's electrical system, including the horn.

Here's a more detailed explanation:
  • What a clockspring is:
    A clockspring, also known as a spiral-wound rotary electrical conductor, allows the steering wheel to turn while maintaining an electrical connection.

  • Function in a 2001 TJ:
    It connects the steering wheel airbag, horn, and other devices to the vehicle's electrical system.

  • Troubleshooting:
    If your horn isn't working, or if the airbag warning light stays on, a faulty clockspring could be the issue.

So I went out and hooked my multimeter up to the connector that goes to the horn, I get continuity when pressed and I hear the relay clicking now.

I do think my clock spring is on its way out because every now and then I get an airbag light for a few seconds.

I still would rather have a button for the horn to ensure I don’t get an unintended horn honk that just keeps going!
 
Funny that I was thinking of doing the same on my 2001. I pulled the fuse after having several people track me down at the bar to tell me the horn was blasting.

I’ve had my wife tell me she hears it at night and I don’t want to be a crappy neighbor either. My Jeep usually gets parked for an extended time too so I could be away and it happens which would be bad.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: lBasket
You can check the horns to see if they’re functional very easily. Just unplug the wiring harness, connect12 Volts to one terminal and ground the other one.
You can also run your own wires from the new horn switch to the horn terminals.
 
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You can check the horns to see if they’re functional very easily. Just unplug the wiring harness, connect12 Volts to one terminal and ground the other one.
You can also run your own wires from the new horn switch to the horn terminals.

I tried using an extra car battery. Nothing happened. I’ve never known a horn to go out. Maybe it ran out of air to blow? (Kidding)
 
So I went out and hooked my multimeter up to the connector that goes to the horn, I get continuity when pressed and I hear the relay clicking now.

I do think my clock spring is on its way out because every now and then I get an airbag light for a few seconds.

I still would rather have a button for the horn to ensure I don’t get an unintended horn honk that just keeps going!

im more of the "fix it right" crowd however whatever works best for you will be good. id be worried about the airbag not functioning tho..
 
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im more of the "fix it right" crowd however whatever works best for you will be good. id be worried about the airbag not functioning tho..

I am to but I’ve driven it about 40 miles in the last 5 months, it’s just a spare vehicle I to run to the gym when my other vehicle is at the dealership. Until I know the clock spring is for sure bad and can source a good replacement I don’t want to just throw parts until I know for sure.
 
I am to but I’ve driven it about 40 miles in the last 5 months, it’s just a spare vehicle I to run to the gym when my other vehicle is at the dealership. Until I know the clock spring is for sure bad and can source a good replacement I don’t want to just throw parts until I know for sure.

FAIR. i prob would do the same. good call.
 
I am to but I’ve driven it about 40 miles in the last 5 months, it’s just a spare vehicle I to run to the gym when my other vehicle is at the dealership. Until I know the clock spring is for sure bad and can source a good replacement I don’t want to just throw parts until I know for sure.

So... what'd you end up doing? I'm in the same boat. If I put the fuse in, the horn blares, so the horn is good. I just leave the fuse out. I've heard the clockspring replacement is expensive and not easy (DIY... and we do all DYI). But I'm ok fixing that, if I knew it was the clockspring. But we've had the idea of just running to a new button/swtich the way you described.
 
Same situation here. Horn stuck, I leaved the fuse out. The airbag light always been off. I can do a clockspring replacement but I am not sure if it is the clockspring or the switch behind the airbag.
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator