galletti

I've searched the forums but I can't find the exact answer. I just got a brand new horn button for my 88 IROC. Problem is I can't really hook up the horn. The new button came with a cable with a spring and a plastic tube on the end. I believe the plastic tube is suppossed to go into the hole in the column. However, there is a broken white tube of plastic already in there. I don't know if the new one should go inside the white plastic one already in the column. So, any picts or instructions would really help. BTW, my new horn button didn't come with install instructions. Thanks for any help you may provide.

Trickster

Remove the old plastic tube and put the new one in there.

galletti

Thanks for the quick reply. The problem is they don't seem the right diameter. That is, the new one (OEM part BTW) seems to almost fit inside the old one. Also, I already tried to remove the old one and it wouldn't budge. Admittedly I didn't pry hard since I was afraid I'd need it and I'd break it. Do I need to twist it or something to get it out?

Trickster

Hello Galletti,

I apologize for my previous post concerning your problem, I read it to mean the small plastic piece from the wire was stuck in there. There is a slot with a recess in the plastic piece in the horn, the plastic piece on the new wire has a little keyway on it that fits in this slot. Push the plastic piece on the wire in and turn it about 1/8 turn clockwise. This will secure the wire to the steering column.

galletti

Thanks!! I'll look tomorrow. I probably didn't explain it correctly anyway.

galletti

So I went and looked (my car is in storage for another couple of weeks but I work on it whenever I can) and it seems the plastic tube in the steering wheel is broken. I'll try and attach a picture. My questions are, where can I get this tube and how is it installed? It seems I may need to pull my steering wheel off to do it. Thanks for the info.

Trickster

That slot is supposed to be there. Unless there is some damage that I am not seeing in this picture, that tube is not broken. Take your new wire and put the small plastic tube in that tube, push down and give it about a 1/8 turn to the right. It should lock in place, if it doesn't then it might be broken.

galletti

Again thanks for the help. I tried yesterday to push it in. The tab on the new tube does not allow it to go further and the look of the old tube is such that it really seems broken. I apologize for the quality of the picture. I didn't have my digital camera and used my cell phone camera which is veeeeery low resolution. In any case, where would I be able to get a new tube and do I need to remove the steering wheel to install it? Thanks again.
Later

Trickster

Let me check my car tomorrow and I can give you a definite answer on how to safely remove and replace it. Hopefully without removing the steering wheel.

galletti

Thanks man you're the best!:lala:

Trickster

Okay Galletti,

I wennt through my manual and here is what I found. That tube is called the CAM TOWER and it is part of the TURN SIGNAL CANCELLING CAM ASSEMBLY. To fix it you would have to replace that whole assembly. Here are a couple of pictures.

Trickster

and another one.

galletti

That's what I was afraid of!!! That second picture shows exactly whats missing on mine. I'm thinking that a hot wire might be able to melt that pattern on to the tower so I don't have to pull the steering wheel. Then again, I can't get my new cruise control lever installed. I pulled the old one, tying a piece of wire to it (for a guide when replacing with the new one), but cutting the connector off because it wouldn't pull out otherwise. However, even with the guide, the new wire and connector will not follow... Therefore, I may need to pull the wheel anyway. Thanks for all your help. All this help is why I've been on this forum for a couple of years even though I only got my Camaro about 9 months ago. :hail:

Trickster

Well Galletti,

If you can't fix it that way and don't want to go to a junkyard looking for one and then have to pull the steering wheel to get it. They do carry them in stock at the local dealerships, the part number is 2604 7013. The price is $16.47 + tax for a new one.

P.S. a little hint, when pulling a wire like that through the steering column. It helps to loosen the bolts for the steering column under the dash and let the column hang a little bit.

3gc

They also sell those cancel cams at the help section of most auto parts stores for about $4. Take yours with you as there are two different GM versions. The wheel has to come off, as does the lock plate. Then the cam just comes out and you can slide the new one in, put the lock plate back on and put the wheel back on. While the lock plate is off it will also give you a look at where the wire has to go down the column and make it easier. I remember trying to get that wire down the column a few years ago when i put a new lever in, it wasn't fun.

galletti

COOL!! I'll try that. Thanks yet again for the help.

galletti

FINALLY!!! I got the steering wheel puller and lock plate tool at Pep Boys both for about $30. (I'm a tool freak so I'll keep them) I also got both cams the one for the horn and the one for the turn signal. I figured that once I was in there, I might as well check the condition and change if needed. Pulling the steering wheel was surprisingly easy. The lock plate came right out, I think the "snap" ring wasn't even in place. The horn cam was broken allright, the turn cam was ok so I left it. I had to unscrew a few thing including the hazard button so I could lift the cam and route the cruise wire. I'm glad I got the lock plate tool since it would have been imposible to put it back in place with the ring around it by myself. Now everything's back in place with a brand new horn button.
Problem is, my horn still does not work. I haven't had time to check fuses and direct power to the horn to see if it works, but I'll post back when it's done.
Thanks for all the help. You guys rule. :hail: