Symptoms
- No sound at all when pressing the horn button
- Horn worked intermittently before going silent
- Clicking sound when pressing horn but no noise
- Horn button feels normal to press
Likely causes
- CommonBlown horn fuseA dedicated fuse for the horn circuit can blow from a short or age.
- CommonFailed horn relayThe relay that sends power to the horn can wear out and stop functioning.
- CommonWorn out horn unitThe horn itself can corrode or fail internally over years of use.
- PossibleBroken wiring or connector to the hornWiring near the front bumper is exposed to road debris and moisture.
- PossibleFaulty horn button or clock springThe steering wheel's horn switch or the spiral cable behind it can fail, especially if other wheel controls also misbehave.
What to do
- Check the fuse box for a blown horn fuse and replace with the correct amperage.
- Locate the horn relay (often in the engine bay fuse/relay box) and swap it with an identical relay from another circuit to test.
- Listen closely when pressing the horn for a faint click, which suggests the relay is working but the horn itself may be dead.
- Inspect the horn unit (usually behind the front bumper or grille) for visible corrosion or disconnected wiring.
- Test the horn directly with a multimeter or by briefly touching its connector to battery power, if comfortable doing so.
- Check other steering wheel controls (cruise, radio buttons) to see if they also fail, which could point to the clock spring.
- Replace the horn unit if it tests as receiving power but not sounding.
- Have a shop check the wiring or clock spring if other steering wheel functions are also affected.
Tools and parts
- Fuse puller or pliers
- Replacement fuses
- Multimeter (optional)
Replacement car hornSearch: “car horn for [your car make model year]”
Horn relaySearch: “horn relay for [your car make model year]”
When to call a pro
If the issue traces to the steering wheel's clock spring along with other button failures, have a shop handle it since it involves airbag components.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.