Expert: Brad Sears - 9/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a completely unmodified 1960 Chevy Impala that the horn stopped working in recently.  Are there things I can do to isolate/fix it on my own or do I need to take it to a mechanic?  Thanks.

ANSWER: Hi Andrea:
The first question is do you have any tools such as a test light or a voltmeter? Second is how handy are you are mechanical things? Let me know. But I'll bet that we can figure this thing out.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I do have a test light, and for your second question, I wouldn't say I am very handy, but I can usually figure things out with a little help.  What should I do next?  Thanks so much for the help.

Answer
Ok, locate one of the horns and pull the wire from it off. Next stick the probe of the test light into the wire end and the other end to the ground or NEG side of the battery, and some one push the horn button. The light should light is the relay, and the horn button circuit are working. If this happens, the problem is the horn itself and they will need to be replaced. If the light does not light then there is a problem with either the horn relay or the circuit to the steering wheels area where the horn button is. Try this to this point and let me know what happens and we will go from there.
Brad