Horn: Description and Operation

HORN SYSTEM

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAG, REFER TO ELECTRICAL, RESTRAINTS FOR SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE CABLE FROM THE BATTERY BEFORE SERVICING COMPONENTS INVOLVING THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. ACCIDENTAL DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAG AND PERSONAL INJURY CAN RESULT.

The horn circuit consists of a horn switch, clock spring, wiring, horn relay, and horns. The horn switch is a membrane switch located in the airbag trim cover. One horn is located below each headlamp.

The horn circuit feed is from the fuse to the horn relay in the Junction Block. When the horn contact is depressed, it completes the ground circuit. Then the horn relay coil closes a set of contacts which allows current to flow to the horns. The horn(s) are grounded at the shock tower through the headlamp and dash harness. Refer to the appropriate wiring information. The wiring information includes wiring diagrams, proper wire and connector repair procedures, details of wire harness routing and retention, connector pin-out information and location views for the various wire harness connectors, splices and grounds.

HORN RELAY
The horn relay is a International Standards Organization (ISO) micro-relay. The terminal designations and functions are the same as a conventional ISO relay. However, the micro-relay terminal orientation (or footprint) is different, current capacity is lower, and the relay case dimensions are smaller than on the conventional ISO relay.

The horn relay is a electromechanical device that switches current to the horn when the Driver Airbag Module is depressed.

The horn relay is located in the Junction Block. Refer to the Junction Block label for horn relay identification and location.

If a problem is encountered with a continuously sounding horn, it can usually be quickly resolved by removing the horn relay from the Junction Block until further diagnosis is completed. The horn relay cannot be repaired and, if faulty, it must be replaced.

HORN SWITCH
The horn switch is molded into the airbag trim cover. The horn switch can not be serviced separately. For service procedures, refer to RESTRAINTS.