Horn Switch: Testing and Inspection

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-BAGS REFER TO AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELTS/AIR BAGS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.


1. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. Remove the steering column opening cover and knee blocker. Check for continuity between the metal steering column jacket and a good ground. There should be continuity If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, refer to Steering and check for proper installation of the steering column mounting nuts.
2. Remove the driver side airbag module as described in Air Bags and Seat Belts/Air Bags. Unplug the horn switch wire harness connector from the airbag module. Unplug the horn relay from the junction block. Check for continuity between the steering column half of the horn switch feed wire harness connector and a good ground. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, repair the short circuit as required.
3. Check for continuity between the steering column half of the horn switch feed wire harness connector and the horn relay control circuit cavity for the horn relay in the junction block. There should be continuity. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK, repair the open circuit as required.
4. Check for continuity between the horn switch feed wire and the horn switch ground wire on the airbag module. There should be no continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, replace the faulty horn switch.
5. Depress the center of the airbag module cover and check for continuity between the horn switch feed wire and the horn switch ground wire on the airbag module. There should now be continuity If not OK, replace the faulty horn switch.