My horn is not working due to a breakdown in the electrical wiring

PSWEENEY

MEMBER
1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

I have just been told by my local shop guy that my horn is not working due to a breakdown in the electrical wiring (they tried everything else with no success). He said I need to bring it to a dealership. Considering the fact that my car is not worth any more than $500, if that, I was wondering what kind of estimate to expect when I bring it in. With today's economy, money is extremely tight and I don't want to have to pay $100 just for them to tell me it's going to cost $1000 to fix it. Of course, I also can't go without a horn for very long (nor would it pass inspection, although it's not due until May). Any insight?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

An inoperative horn can be due to a bad relay, wiring or a bad horn itself. It can also be due to a bad switch for the horn.

First check the relay. The horn relay is located under the left-hand side instrument panel (see diagram).
Check for any corrosion or burn pins.
This relay can also be tested:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

If the relay is good check to see if you are getting power to the horn harness. Check for power at the connector that attached to the horn.
If there is no power at the connector then there is a short in the horn harness. This will require you to trace the wires to find the short. I have attached the wiring schematic below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

If there is power at the connector then the horn is defective and need to be replaced.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

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