Horn: Description and Operation

INTRODUCTION
An electric horn system is standard factory-installed equipment on this model.

NOTE: This covers both Left-Hand Drive (LHD) and Right-Hand Drive (RHD) versions of this model. Whenever required and feasible, the RHD versions of affected vehicle components have been constructed as mirror-image of the LHD versions. While most of the illustrations used represent only the LHD version, the diagnostic and service procedures outlined can generally be applied to either version. Exceptions to this rule have been clearly identified as LHD or RHD, if a special illustration or procedure is required.

Horn System
A dual-note electromagnetic horn system is standard factory-installed equipment on this model, The horn system is activated by a switch concealed beneath the driver side airbag module trim cover in the center of the steering wheel. The horn system is connected to a non-switched battery feed so that the system remains functional, regardless of the ignition switch position.

Following are general descriptions of the major components in the horn system. Refer to the owner's manual in the vehicle glove box for more information on the features, use and operation of the horn system.




SYSTEM OPERATION
Horn System
A Standard dual-note, electromagnetic diaphragm horns are standard equipment. The low-note horn is mounted and grounded to the left radiator closure panel brace, behind the front bumper. The high-note horn is connected in parallel with the low-note horn. The high-note horn is mounted and grounded to the right radiator closure panel brace, behind the front bumper. Both horns receive battery feed through the closed contacts of the horn relay.

The horns cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, they must be replaced.

NOTE: A cadmium-plated screw is used to mount the horns. Do not substitute other types of screws, as they may become corroded and cause a loss of horn ground.

Horn Relay
The horn relay is a International Standards Organization (ISO) relay. The relay is a electromechanical device that switches battery current to the horn when the horn switch grounds the relay coil. See the Diagnosis and Testing for more information on the operation of the Lighting and Horns/Horn/horn relay.

The horn relay is located in the junction block, on the right cowl side panel below the instrument panel in the passenger compartment. 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 or damaged, it must be replaced.

Horn Switch
A center-blow, resistive membrane type horn switch is installed on the back side of the driver side airbag module trim cover in the center of the steering wheel. When the center area of the airbag trim cover is depressed, the horn switch completes a circuit to ground for the coil side of the horn relay. The steering wheel and steering column must be properly grounded for the horn switch to function.

The horn switch is only serviced as a part of the airbag module trim cover. If the horn switch should fail, or if the airbag is deployed, the airbag module trim cover and horn switch unit must be replaced.