The car horn is an important element of a functional vehicle. You may experience problems with your car horn, including one that sounds lower than normal or one that makes no sound at all. Repairing a broken car horn can be done yourself. However, you should call a professional mechanic if the damage requires opening other parts of the car, such as the driver's side airbag.
Step
Step 1. Determine the problem with the horn
Identify the type of car horn malfunction to help you decide how to fix it.
Step 2. Open the hood and have someone press the horn if it sounds at low volume
Many cars have 2 or more horns. If the horn sounds low when pressed, 1 or more horns have stopped functioning.
Step 3. Locate the horn on the radiator core support or behind the car grille
Step 4. Disconnect the cable connector
The horn resembles a fuse with a wire pointing outward. To remove the wire connector, press down on the lower end of the connector and then pull the cable out. Remove the mounting bolts and connection plate attached to the cable. Clean the components and then reinstall them. Ask someone to honk the horn.
Step 5. Buy a new horn if cleaning the horn section doesn't fix the low sound of the horn
You can choose to replace a broken horn with the same type of horn, you can choose a commonly used car horn.
Method 1 of 1: No Sound
Step 1. Check the fuse box if the horn doesn't make a sound
Read the car manual if you can't find the location of the car's fuse box. The car manual will also tell you about the specific fuse that the horn is connected to.
Step 2. Remove the fuse with tweezers, pointed pliers, or regular pliers
You may be able to remove the fuse with your finger. The fuse fails if the metal piece inside is damaged.
Step 3. Replace the fuse if it is damaged
You can purchase a replacement fuse from an auto supply store. Install the appropriate fuse and then have someone try to honk the horn.
Step 4. Check if the air bag light is on on the dashboard if your fuse is ok
Troubled airbags can cause the horn to fail. Airbags that become wide can interfere with a component called a clock spring that allows power to reach the horn button from the horn connecting relay coil
Step 5. Take the vehicle to a mechanic when the air bag light comes on
If the airbag becomes wide, a professional mechanic will remove and then reinstall the airbag. The mechanic can spot other problems with your car horn
Tips
- A bad clock spring can cause the steering wheel to change and receive an electric charge for the horn, thereby causing a car horn to malfunction.
- Commonly used horns have a different sound from the original horn. You will also have to make some adjustments when installing the general horn.
Warning
- Be careful when replacing the fuse with a new fuse of equivalent amperage.
- A broken fuse could indicate a bigger problem with the car than just a faulty horn. The car should be checked in a workshop.
