Horn Not Working
A horn that does not sound usually has a blown fuse, a failed relay, a faulty horn unit or a broken connection in the steering wheel, often the clock spring that also serves the airbag.
High risk
Fix it promptly. A working horn is a legal requirement and an inspection item.
Short answer · Why doesn't my horn work?
The horn circuit runs from a fuse and relay to the horn unit at the front of the car. Pressing the pad completes the circuit through the steering wheel. A blown fuse or failed relay stops it entirely. The horn unit itself can corrode. If the airbag light is also on, the clock spring in the steering column may have failed.
Safe checks you can do
- Check the fuseUse the fuse chart in the owner's manual.
- Listen for the relayA click when pressing the horn suggests the switch works.
- Check the airbag lightIf it is on too, the clock spring is likely.
Questions that narrow it down
- Is the airbag light on?Clock spring.
- Did it stop after a front impact?Horn unit or wiring damaged.
- Does it work sometimes?Corroded connections.
Possible causes
Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.
- Blown fuseSimple check.
- Failed relayNo power to the horn.
- Corroded horn unitLocated at the front.
- Failed clock springOften with an airbag warning.
- Wiring damageAfter an impact.
Questions about Horn Not Working
Is the clock spring part of the airbag?
It connects the steering wheel, including the airbag, to the car; repairs must be done carefully.
Can I drive without a horn?
It is not legal in many places; fix it soon.