1981 300SD TD phantom horn honking

[uponstilts]

I am having issues with my horn honking without touching the pad. It is funny at times, because I will use the horn to prompt someone asleep at the wheel, then a few miles down the road someone will cut me off and my horn goes off on it's own. I'm beginning to think the inanimate object is reading my mind. Other times it's very annoying, like starting to turn the corner, then stopping to wait for a pedestrian pushing a baby stroller, the horn goes off on it's own and the woman gives me a dirty look and a "read my gesture" indication that she is annoyed at me for honking at her. I have had people change lanes and wait til I pull alongside to roll down their window and ask me "what's the issue?" and then I need to explain that it's the horn with the issue not me and apologize.

Anyone have a fix for this? My mechanic can't seem to get it to replicate and finds no issue. There is now a tinkling sound in the horn pad when I turn a corner as well.

This ususally happens off and on for a day or two after engaging the horn on purpose, then it's fine until I use the horn again. Is this a hint to "shut up"? Thanks for any info or insight.

[whunter]

it is mechanical damage in the horn button area.
This will need to dis assembled for inspection, and the steering wheel may need to come off.











Have a great day.