Lack of horn without ignition??

[hooba]

I had just finished parking in a 45 degree rear to kerb spot on Saturday night and whilst I was getting my things another car comes along and starts to park in the spot right next to me.

This guy has no idea on how to park, slams it into reverse and his rear bumper is heading straight towards my passenger side rear door. Eeek.

Instinctively I hit the horn and nothing. Luckily the guy managed to stop just in time with cms to spare, and then proceeded to line up the parking space properly.

Why does VW persist on killing all power to the steering wheel functions unless the ignition is on? I'm genuinely interested to hear the reasoning behind this if anybody knows why.

[pologti18t]

I had just finished parking in a 45 degree rear to kerb spot on Saturday night and whilst I was getting my things another car comes along and starts to park in the spot right next to me.

This guy has no idea on how to park, slams it into reverse and his rear bumper is heading straight towards my passenger side rear door. Eeek.

Instinctively I hit the horn and nothing. Luckily the guy managed to stop just in time with cms to spare, and then proceeded to line up the parking space properly.

Why does VW persist on killing all power to the steering wheel functions unless the ignition is on? I'm genuinely interested to hear the reasoning behind this if anybody knows why.

Isn't that the case with most modern cars?

[rs73]

most japanese cars i think would still sound the horn... not sure most late generation ones, my last japanese car was 2003 make.

and not sure compared to other euros other than late VWs...

[AdamD]

most japanese cars i think would still sound the horn...

My Accord Euro ('05) allowed the horn to operate at all times. The radio buttons would also work whenever the radio was on - unlike in the Golf. Very annoying operation in the VW IMO.

[mfl]

In my ex-2008 Subaru, you could sound the horn anytime.

Similar thing happened to me, while waiting for my wife. a guy reverse parking kept coming with no intention of stopping.

amazing how quickly you can turn the ignition on and blow the horn, when you have to.

but slightly annoying.

[Jasonpb]

07 honda accord euro the horn worked when the ignition was off.