Car Horn Not Working: Causes, Fixes & Prevention

Common signs of horn problems

You might notice:

• The horn doesn’t make any sound.

• It sounds weak or low.

• It works sometimes, then stops.

• It gets stuck and keeps honking!

Reasons why your car horn stops working

Here are the most frequent causes why your car horn stops working.

1. Blown fuse

The fuse is a tiny safety component that guards against excessive current in your car's electrical system. If the horn consumes excessive power or there's a short circuit, the fuse will blow to safeguard the system.

Signs:

• Horn does not work at all.

• All the other items in the car function properly.

Fix:

• Open your car's fuse box (most times under the dashboard or bonnet).

• Read the manual to locate the horn fuse.

• If it appears burnt or crushed, swap it with one of the same rating (such as 10A or 15A).

If the new fuse blows once more, that signifies a more underlying electrical fault. Go to a mechanic.

2. Defective horn relay

The relay is a small switch that transfers current from the battery to the horn. When it breaks, the horn will not receive any current.

Fix:

• Find the horn relay in the fuse box (your car manual will inform you where).

• Replace it with another similar relay (such as the one for fog lights, if they're the same type) to test.

• If the horn is now working, you've identified the culprit; replace the relay.

3. Dead horn unit

The horn unit itself (the circular or snail-shaped thing behind your car's front grille) can fail over time, particularly from water, dust, or rust.

Signs:

• You touch the horn, and you get a weak click but no sound.

Fix:

• Pull out the horn connector and try it manually by connecting it to the battery through two wires.

• If there is no sound, then change the horn.

• Horns are cheap in India (₹400–₹1,500 depending on type).

4. Bad ground connection

All electrical components in a vehicle require an adequate grounding (earth) connection. If the horn's ground wire is disconnected, shorted, or broken, the circuit will not be completed.

Fix:

• Inspect the metal connection point close to the horn.

• Scrub it clean and tighten the bolt.

• You may place a small amount of petroleum jelly to prevent rust.

5. Wiring issues

Wires transfer power from your horn button to the relay and onto the horn. Wires over time can be damaged due to:

• Rats chewing on them (a frequent issue in India),

• Loose connectors, or

• Corrosion.

Fix:

• Check wiring around the horn and under the bonnet visually.

• Replace or have them repaired by a technician if you notice cut or exposed wires.

6. Defective horn button or clock spring

When you press the horn pad on your steering wheel, it provides an electrical signal through a component known as the clock spring. The spring coil links the steering wheel buttons to circuits within the car. When it's faulty, the horn will not work.

Signs:

• Horn does not work, although the fuse and relay are okay.

• The other steering wheel buttons (such as audio controls or airbag light) might also malfunction.

Fix:

• Replacing the clock spring is the best solution.

• It's a professional's job since it entails airbag wiring.

7. Water or rust in the horn assembly

Water gets into the horn area during monsoons or car washes and causes rust or short circuits.

Fix:

• Let the horn dry thoroughly.

• Spray WD-40 or any anti-rust cleaner on the horn area.

• If it still fails, replace the horn unit.

8. Steering wheel wiring problem

Within the steering wheel, wires are in constant motion when you move left or right. With time, they get worn out or damaged.

Fix:

• If the horn sounds only if the steering is turned to a specific direction, the wiring is the cause.

• Have the wiring in the steering inspected and replaced at a repair shop.

9. Weak car battery

If the battery voltage is low, it will not supply enough power for the horn to sound adequately.

Fix:

• Try switching on the headlights. If they’re dim, the battery needs charging or replacement.

• Visit a battery shop to check voltage (should be above 12.4 volts when the car is off).

10. Aftermarket horn or wrong installation

Many people in India install loud aftermarket horns (like pressure horns or twin tones). If installed incorrectly, they can overload the circuit and cause failure.

Fix:

• Ensure the horn is properly wired with a separate relay and fuse.

• If unsure, get a professional to check the installation.

What to do when the car horn does not work

Here’s how you can quickly check what’s wrong with your horn:

1. Check the fuse. Replace if blown.

2. Check the relay. Swap to test.

3. Test the horn directly with the battery.

4. Inspect wiring and ground connection.

5. Check the horn button or steering wiring if all else fails.

A faulty horn can compromise safety, but our ACKO Drive service centres make repairs quick and simple. You can book a service slot online from the ACKO app or the ACKO Drive website. We pick up your car from your location, and our technicians inspect the fuse, relay, and wiring before fixing or replacing the horn. And the best part, you can track everything online, from diagnosis to repair and payment.

How to maintain your car's horn

Here are a few tips that help maintain your car horn.

1. Use your horn regularly. It keeps the diaphragm free from rust.

2. Avoid long continuous honking. It overheats the horn coil.

3. Keep the horn area clean and dry.

4. Inspect wiring every few months.

5. Avoid washing directly under the bonnet with water.

6. Check battery health regularly.

Final words

A non-working car horn may seem like a minor problem, but it's actually a significant safety issue. It might be caused by as simple a thing or a complicated one. Well, most of these issues can be resolved at home or by a mechanic within an hour. 

Frequently asked questions

Check out:

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