Except for the early '65 generator-equipped cars that had a horn relay, the later cars have 2 wires. One is HOT from the headlamp switch (uses it's internal circuit breaker) the horn button is a simple single pole, single throw, momentary switch, and the 2nd wire takes current from the completed circuit out to the horns. Smoke would be a good indication of a short circuit to ground.

 

One horn wire is hot and the other completes the circuit. The ends that contact the ring occasionally ground through the horn to the body for various reasons one is bad horn contact plate on steering wheel.


It is also possible that the horn is stuck on and the non hot wire that goes wires is grounded possibly where the harness exits the steering column. Look there for problems.


Remove horn ring and wires on horn then check continuity from wire to ground, if it has continuity it is grounded somewhere and must be fixed.


Could also be the turn signal switch which is more likely.


Check for lite sockets grounding etc.


Look for wiring diagram online.

 

One thing is for sure...when you let the smoke out of the electronics they are done!

 

Haha- yes- lets hope theres still some smoke left in those wires. Once the smoke is depleted- he'll have to get some wiring with the smoke still in them :loco: Im surprised that with all our advances- no one has found a good way to refill the smoke into existing wires. Kinda like a perpetual motion machine- first one to invent this will be rich!!

 

The ground is at the horn, the horn button is a switch in the hot to the horn.

 

I guess it would be helpful to know what car/year this is.

 

I guess it would be helpful to know what car/year this is.

 

I was under the impression the two wires coming from the steering column were both grounds, and by pushing the horn button it allows the wire to be grounded, in turn allowing the circuit to be completed. Am I wrong? Why would it smoke? If the wires are grounded why would it smoke?
P.S. The part that actually smoked was on the horn button itself. Part of the plastic melted.

Yes, you are wrong. The contacts on the column are hot + in, horn + out (the horns are grounded). Any grounding of either wire will "let the smoke" out of your wiring. It might help to know what year your car is, but since you describe your control as a "horn button", I'm guessing it's not a factory steering wheel, so what is it?