The horn is an important component of any properly functioning vehicle. You may have several types of horn problems: for example, a horn that sounds in a lower pitch than normal, or one that doesn't sound at all. Repairing a horn can often be a do-it-yourself operation. However, if the damage requires other parts of the car to be removed, such as if you need to remove the driver's side airbag, you will need to seek professional help.
Steps
Step 1. Identify what kind of problem your horn is having
Identifying what kind of problem the horn has will help you decide how to handle the repair.
Step 2. Open the hood and ask someone to press the horn if the problem is that the horn is sounding at a low volume
Many cars have 2 or more horns. If the sound is low when you honk your horn, one or more horns have stopped working.
Step 3. Locate the horn (s) on the main radiator support or behind the grille
Step 4. Remove the cables connected to the horn
The trumpet looks like a small disc from which some cables come out. To remove them, press the lower end of the cable down slightly and then pull it outwards. Then remove the mounting bolt and the forks, which attach to the electrical circuit. Clean the components and then reassemble everything. Finally, ask your helper to honk the horn again.
Step 5. Buy a replacement horn if after cleaning the parts you have not solved the problem of low volume sound
You can choose whether to replace the broken horn with a replacement exactly identical to the one you had on your car or you can choose a universal horn.
Method 1 of 1: Horn that does not sound
Step 1. Check the fuse box if there is no sound coming from the horn
Read the car's instruction manual to locate where the fuse box is located. The instruction manual will also tell you what the fuse is that is specifically related to the operation of the horn.
Step 2. Remove the fuse with a pair of tweezers, needle nose pliers, or a pair of regular pliers
Alternatively, you may be able to remove the fuse with your fingers as well. The fuse is broken if the metal filament inside it has broken.
Step 3. Replace the fuse if it is no longer functional
You can buy replacement fuses at an auto parts center. Install the correct fuse, and then ask whoever is helping you to honk the horn again.
Step 4. If, on the other hand, there are no problems with the fuse, check if, in the car control panel, the airbag warning light is on
A problem with the airbag can give rise to problems with the horn. If the airbag has expanded, it can interfere with a component called the spiral contact, which allows the electrical connection between the horn button and the relay coil connected to the horn itself
Step 5. Take your car to a mechanic if the airbag warning light is on
If your airbag has expanded, the mechanic will need to remove it and then reinstall it again. A mechanic can pinpoint possible problems with your horn if you have not been able to identify the source of the fault
Advice
- Even poor quality of the spiral contact, which allows you to maintain the electric charge of the horn even when the steering wheel is turning, can be a further cause of your problem.
- A universal horn will normally sound different than the original horn you replaced. You will probably have to make some adjustments when installing it.
Warnings
- A blown fuse can also hide other bigger problems than a malfunctioning horn. You may need to do a more thorough check by the mechanic.
- Be careful to replace the blown fuse with another of the same amperage.
