Fix a Broken Car Horn

A car horn is an important element of a properly functioning vehicle. You may encounter several problems with a car horn including a horn that blows at a lower tone than is normal or a horn that does not blow at all. Fixing a broken car horn can often be a do-it-yourself project. However, when the damage requires that other parts of the car be removed, such as the driver side airbag, you will need to call in a professional.

Steps

  1. Determine the problem with your horn. Identifying the type of broken car horn you have will help you decide how to approach the fix.
  2. Pop the hood and have someone press the horn if it is sounding at low volume. Many cars have 2 or more horns. If the sound of the horn is low when you press it, 1 or more of the horns has stopped working.
  3. Locate the horn or horns on the radiator core support or behind the car's grille.
  4. Remove the wire connector. The horn should resemble a fuse with wires coming out of it. To remove the wire connector, press down on the lower end of the connector and then pull the wiring out. Remove the mounting bolt and the spade lugs, which are attached to the wiring. Clean the components and then reattach them. Ask your helper to honk the horn again.
  5. Purchase a replacement horn if cleaning the horn parts does not fix your reduced sounding car horn. You may choose to replace the broken horn with the exact horn originally installed in the car or you may choose a universal car horn.

No Sound

  1. Check the fuse box if your horn will not make any sound. Read your owner's manual to find the location of your car's fuse box. Your owner's manual will also inform you of the specific fuse connected to the operation of the car horn.
  2. Remove the fuse with a pair of tweezers, needle-nosed pliers, or a pair of regular pliers. You may also be able to remove the fuse with your fingers. Your fuse has failed if the metal strip inside it is broken.
  3. Replace the fuse if it is faulty. You can purchase replacement fuses from an auto supply store. Install the appropriate fuse and then have your helper try the horn again.
  4. Check to see if the airbag light is illuminated on the dashboard if there is no problem with your fuse.
    • A problem with the airbag can result in a malfunctioning horn. If the airbag has expanded, it may be interfering with the component called a clock spring that allows power to reach the horn button from the relay coil which connects to the horn itself.
  5. Take your vehicle to a professional mechanic if the airbag light is illuminated.
    • If your airbag has expanded, a professional mechanic will need to remove and then properly reinstall the airbag. A mechanic can determine other possible issues with your horn if you have been unable to isolate the problem.

Tips

  • A bad clock spring, which allows the steering wheel to turn and receive an electrical charge to the horn, could also be at the root of your broken car horn.
  • A universal horn will have a different sound from the original horn you are replacing. You will also have to make some adjustments when installing a universal horn.

Warnings

  • Be careful to replace a blown fuse with one that has the same amperage.
  • A blown fuse could mean that there are bigger problems with your car than the broken car horn and an automotive check-up may be in order.

Things You'll Need

  • Replacement horn
  • Replacement fuse
  • Owner's manual
  • Needle-nosed pliers, tweezers, or regular pliers

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Sources and Citations

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