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This implies a fault inside the steering column, John…
From the relay; a wire connects to a brass ‘finger’ which connects to a slipring on the steering column. First step is to visually inspect that the finger, or relay wire, does not short to ground…
The slipring is connected insulated, but a spring loaded pin, also insulated, is connected through a hole in the inner shaft to a bass rod, inside the shaft, also insulated. The rod runs inside the shaft up a separate short brass rod (also insulated) in the upper shaft. The end of this short rod abuts the horn ring - which when pressed connects the path described to ground in the steering wheel.
Any short, failed insulation, anywhere in the path described activates the horn relay as ign is turned on. The short may be anywhere - and only stripdown of the steering column can locate the problem.
There are no spare parts for remedial actions. Safety regulation at the time dictated that the steering column must not be repaired, but replaced - so no spare parts could be made available…
However, repairs are usually possible with some ingenuity - but require column removal, and some ‘nous’ in dismantling and reassembly.
The ‘easy’ solution’ is a replacement column - irritating for a fault which involves parts that would cost pennies…
Frank
xj6 85 Sov Europe (UK/NZ)
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