If you’ve ever been stuck with a broken horn, or have noticed that the steering wheel isn’t functioning as well as it used to, then it’s probably time to get a new switch. However, before replacing your horn, you should check the circuit and the other steering wheel controls to ensure the problem isn’t more complex.
Test for a lousy horn switch
If your horn isn’t functioning as it should, the first place to look is at your horn switch. This underhood electrical component is usually located in the center pad of your steering wheel. If the button doesn’t work, you can either replace it or test it.
A horn switch is typically a small metal disk that makes contact with a copper disk on the back of the steering wheel. The horn is made to function when the switch is depressed. It may be defective, or a wire is broken if it doesn’t work. If the switch is faulty, it should make a clicking noise when pressed.
Screws may secure a horn switch in the steering wheel. If so, you can remove it by carefully prying it out. A horn switch is sometimes a multiple-function stalk switch. Unfortunately, some of these switches don’t work because the clock spring fails.
Check the circuit before replacing a horn.
If you are having trouble getting your horn to work, you may want to check the circuit before replacing a horn switch in your steering wheel. The wiring is often loose or corroded, which can cause the horn to stop working. In addition, the wire connector can be damaged, causing a bad connection.
You can test the circuit using a power probe, a 12-Volt bulb, or a digital multimeter. You can also find diagrams in your vehicle’s repair manual, which will help trace the problem.
Using a volt meter, connect the positive lead to the battery post and the negative lead to the positive terminal of the electrical connector. You should get a reading of 12+ volts. If the meter reads 0 volts, the wire is broken, or there is a conductivity problem in the horn system.
Depending on your vehicle’s specifications, the horn switch is usually located in the center of the steering wheel pad. If your car has a steering column cover, remove it to access the wiring.
Replace the horn relay
One of the simplest ways to troubleshoot your horn system is by replacing the horn relay. The horn is a very inductive load, and the relay sends a large amount of current to the horn. If the relay becomes faulty, the horns may stop working, and your vehicle may not pass safety inspections.
The relay is usually located in the engine compartment fuse box. To replace it, you will need to disconnect the negative battery cable. Then you will be able to remove the lid of the box. Next, you should be able to unscrew the screws on the back of the relay. Then, you will be able to remove the relay.
The horn relay has five spade-lug connectors. It would be best if you lined up the relay with the terminals in the junction box. Once it is reinstalled, you should make sure to tighten it.
If your horn doesn’t work, you should first check for corrosion in the horn wire connector. If you aren’t sure how to do this, you can get help from your service technician.
Other steering wheel controls can also be affected
A steering wheel horn button is used to actuate a horn. The horn may be located on the center pad of the wheel. Alternatively, separate actuator buttons can be placed on spokes adjacent to the rim. The controller can be rolled up or down to adjust the height. It is a small, thin switch adapted for mounting inside the edge steering wheel’s rim.
The invention is a low-cost, reliable switch that can be easily manufactured. The elastomeric cover is fitted in a recess on the steering wheel’s rim. The voids on the elastomeric body are selected to vary the pressure required to activate the switch.
A pressure switch for mounting inside the steering wheel’s rim comprises an outer strip of thin, flexible plastic with an adhesive coating on both sides. The outer strip includes elongated transverse openings 52, two larger voids spaced laterally from each edge of the switch, and a conductive coating 43a. When pressure is applied to the switch, the conductive coating is adapted to engage the conductors 50 and 51.