Getting my horn to work consistently

[Alfajay]

I searched the archives on the BB, as well as the Alfa 164 Tech Notes from the old Alfa Digest, and couldn't find the answer to this question. This sort of surprised me, because up till now, the problems I have had with my 1991 164L have always been the "classic" ones (like stepper motors).

Here's the symptom: Some *&^%$^ moron cuts me off, I push one of the buttons on the steering wheel, and no sound comes from the horns. If I work the buttons - push them repeatedly - eventually the horn will work. Once I get that first honk, the buttons will work normally - either one will result in the horn working with a slight push. But, if I try again in a few days, it won't work on the first few tries.

I have sprayed contact cleaner behind the buttons, with mixed results - as I spray and work them a bit, they begin to work. But the symptom always reoccurs a few days later.

I'm beginning to think the problem may be in the relay, because once I get one of the two buttons on the wheel to work, the other will then work.

So, I have some questions:

- Has anyone else encountered this problem, and hopefully fixed it? If so, was it the buttons on the steering wheel, or the horn relay?

- Where is the horn relay located on a 1991 164L? Are replacements available?

- If the problem is in the steering wheel buttons, can they be serviced?