Description: Here we know the Top 6 Reasons Why Isn’t My Car Horn Working? If your car horn is not working, it can be a serious safety issue. We use the horn to avoid collisions and to alert other drivers to stay focused. Let’s discuss why your car horn might not be working, the main reasons behind it, and how you can fix the issue easily.
Why My Car Horn is not working
Why My Car Horn is not Working. Before going to the service centre, you should understand why the horn is not working. This helps you diagnose the problem more easily. Below are the common symptoms and causes of horn failure, along with their solutions.
1. Blown Fuse
In most vehicles, the most common reason is a blown fuse. Usually, the horn fuse is located in the engine compartment fuse box (often a 10-ampere fuse). The fuse protects the electrical circuit from overload. If the fuse is blown, the circuit is open, and the horn will not work.
2. Faulty Horn Relay
The horn relay sends power to the horn unit. If the relay is faulty, power will not reach the horn, and the horn will not function. Make sure your car’s relay is okay by listening for a clicking sound when you press the horn pad.
3. Worn-Out Horn
Over time, the horn may stop working because the internal diaphragm is damaged or the horn pin has rusted. In this case, the horn needs to be replaced.
4. Damaged Wiring or Connections
Sometimes, the wiring or connections for the horn can become corroded, rusty, or loose. This can also cause the horn to stop working.
5. Faulty Horn Button or Clock Spring
Clock spring or spiral cable is installed in the steering column below the horn pad. These parts can fail over time. If the horn works only when the steering wheel is in one position, the clock spring may have an internal fault.
How to Troubleshoot a Car Horn That’s Not Working
After discussing the possible causes, here’s a step-by-step guide to troubleshooting the problem.
Step 1 – Check the Horn Fuse
If the fuse is blown, replace it. Fuse boxes are installed on the Engine area, left or right wall. The fuse number and location are shown on the fuse box cover, and a fuse puller is usually included.
Step 2 – Test the Horn Relay
If the horn relay is not working, you can swap it with another matching relay from the fuse box. After interchange, if the horn does not work efficiently, the relay is the culprit and needs to be changed.
Step 3 – Inspect the Horn Unit
Check the horn assembly, which is usually located behind the front bumper grille. Inspect for rust or damaged pins. If you find any damage, repair or replace the horn unit.
Step 4 – Examine the Steering Wheel Controls
If the fuse, relay, and horn unit are all working, inspect the spiral cable or clock spring. If the spiral cable is experiencing an internal malfunction needs to be replaced. This should be done by a professional, because the replacement procedure usually involves removing panels and the horn pad.
Preventing Horn Issues in the Future
Regular Maintenance Tips
1) Test the horn at each service or regularly.
2) Use electrical contact cleaner to clean the horn clip or coupling wires.
3) Avoid excessive use of the horn, especially in flooded conditions.
FAQ
Q) Car horn is not working while driving?
A) While driving, if the car horn is not working, that means the spiral cable has a malfunction, especially in steering rotation time. Should replace the spiral cable.
Q) Car horn is not working but fuse is ok?
A) Maybe be horn relay has an issue, either the clock spring or the spiral cable has a malfunction.
Q) How to fix car horn in steering wheel?
A) You can remove the first steering cover, lower on the steering wheel, after removing the horn pad by pressing the clip on the steering horn pad side wall. Some car has a screw also, remove it a little press after the steering wheel column bolt.
Q) Car horn not working but alarm works?
A) That means, the horn wiring ok fault is the horn pad of the steering wheel, or the spiral cable.
Q) Car horn not working sometimes?
A) If it sometimes does not work, that means a poor connection of the horn clip, or the relay sometimes does not engage, or the spiral cable has a malfunction, or the horn diaphragm has an issue.