Horn not working - Help?

[driv3r]

The only work I've done under the hood is the CAI. The horn worked without problems for a month after the CAI was installed but when I locked my car the other day it didn't beep at me. So I checked the horn and sure enough, no blow.

I checked the fuse, it was fine. The only other work that has been done since the CAI would have been an oil change.

So my question is, what else should I be checking? I hear a click coming from the other black box in the fuse box which I'm pretty sure is normal.

My next step is taking the bumper off again but if there are things I can do before that, I'd like to know.

Any ideas?

[yearoftherat]

Maybe its the horn itself that finally bit the biscuit and went to horn heaven.

[Noisy Crow]

Check the horn relay. Quick way to check is to swap with another one of the same amperage. But pick one that you can afford to live without if it also gets fried (e.g. not the fuel pump one!)

[driv3r]

Maybe its the horn itself that finally bit the biscuit and went to horn heaven.

That would be easiest. Then I'll get me some Hellas. How likely is it that the horn burnt out though? lol


Check the horn relay. Quick way to check is to swap with another one of the same amperage. But pick one that you can afford to live without if it also gets fried (e.g. not the fuel pump one!)

I do hear a click from the horn one. I'll try that tomorrow if I get a chance. I mean, I could probably deal without the A/C one.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Pokey]

Maybe its the horn itself that finally bit the biscuit and went to horn heaven.

RIP driv3r horn. Let us know when/where services are being held:huge smile

[driv3r]

So I just swapped the horn relay with two of the others and neither of them worked. I hear the same thing. There's a click from the relay but no horn sound. That tells me that the relay is still working but the horn is not. Is there a connection that could have been jostled while installing the CAI? Is there another thing I can check without taking the front end off?

[driv3r]

Found the problem. I was rooting around chasing wires and discovered one that sounded a little loose. Wiggled it a bit and tried the horn. My ears hurt but at least I know where the problem is. The new problem is getting at this connection. I'm probably going to have to take the bumper off but I was wondering...

It looks reachable by only taking off the bottom plastic piece covering the underside of the engine bay. This would be much easier to do with the limited space I have. Can anyone with a bit more experience in there give me the go ahead on this?

[Noisy Crow]

Yup, you can pull the screws holding the plastic part right under the bumper and you will be able to stick your hands up and get at the horn wiring. Another way to do it is to remove the liner from the driver's side wheel well... that is what I did when I add a second horn. You will need to jack the car up and remove the wheel.... make sure you use a jack stand....

[driv3r]

Lol I will definitely use a jack stand. I have the one that came with the car right now. I know I can get a better one from my dad but I don't know if I want to drive two hours just for a better jack. As long as I'm not a major eff up, I can't screw up the wheel balance by taking it off right?

I'm due for an oil change anyway so I might make a day out of this.

My CAI is right near there and I recently noticed that the bolt holding it on, is not holding it on. I imagine I'll be able to reach that too. Right?

[Noisy Crow]

Jack stand, not jack all by itself! You are okay using the jack in the trunk to lift the car, but you will need something to keep the car from falling if the jack slips.

A proper jack stand is best. Or you can use a solid piece of wood, although I would advise against that unless you are 100% positive that you can position it so it won't roll on its side if the car shifts. And don't use bricks of any sort, as they can crack/crumble. (When I don't use a jack stand I have some 2' lengths of 8x8 lumber that I slide under the side with a piece of 2x4 sitting on top.)

At the very least position the jack at rear edge of the jack point and then slide the removed wheel under the side of the car just behind the front wheel, and then lower car to the point of almost touching the rim.


The fender liner comes out with a bunch of push-in fasters, a few screws, and (I think) one bolt. I remove the whole thing, although you can probably get away with just pulling back the front part.

You will be able to get at the horn, the drivers fog light, and the lower end of your CAI.

And no, you won't mess up your wheel balance. Just make sure that you tighten the lug nuts in sequence... make a few passes going around in a circle, tightening every other nut a bit more each time.

[driv3r]

Thanks for the input. I actually ended up just taking off the bumper. It really doesn't take that long and is much easier then I expected. Turns out the bushing broke so I've gotta get to NextMod and see if Peter has a replacement. I've also got to investigate why it broke off. I didn't think it shook that much but it may have just been some vicious pothole and bad luck.

But thanks for all your input man!

[MK519]

reviving this thread, driv3r, you figure out how to fix this? i checked/replaced my fuse for the horn as well as the relay for it. it clicks the same way yours does. anyone on here have an idea?

[morganc]

The horn could be blown, itself, or it might have a corroded mounting point (bad ground). Take the horn out and directly apply 12V to it to isolate. I was able to take my horn out without removing any other components; did it from underneath.

[MK519]

The horn could be blown, itself, or it might have a corroded mounting point (bad ground). Take the horn out and directly apply 12V to it to isolate. I was able to take my horn out without removing any other components; did it from underneath.

any direction on how to locate the ground? not sure where to begin... where is the horn located? cant find anything online lol.

[MK519]

any direction on how to locate the ground? not sure where to begin... where is the horn located? cant find anything online lol.

spoke too soon. nevermind lol