Battery positive voltage is applied at all times to the horn relay coil and the horn relay switch. Pressing the horn switch applies ground through the switch contacts and the horn relay control circuit to the coil side of the relay, energizing the relay. Battery voltage is then applied through the switch side of the relay, the HORN fuse, and the horn control circuit to the horns. The body control module (BCM) may also apply ground to the horn relay control circuit as described above. The horns sound as long as ground is applied to the horn relay control circuit.

A short to ground in the horn relay control circuit or a short to voltage in the horn control circuit will cause the horn to sound continuously until the horn overheats and become inoperative.

Rotate the steering wheel while pressing the horn pad to identify intermittent and poor connections within the steering column.

If diagnosing a Horn- Poor Tone condition, inspect the following:

Schematic Reference

Horn Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Horns System Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

1. Ignition OFF, connect a test lamp between the horn fuse test point and ground.
2. Press and release the horn switch. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

⇒	If the test lamp does not illuminate or remains illuminated at all times, refer to Horn Switch Circuit Test.

3. Ignition ON, command the horns ON and OFF with a scan tool. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

⇒	If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the control circuit terminal 18 at the BCM for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.

4. Connect a 15A fused jumper wire between the horn fuse test point and B+. The horns should sound and emit a clear and even tone.

⇒	If the horns do not sound, refer to Horn Circuit Test.

⇒	If the sound emitted is not clear and even, refer to Horn - Poor Tone.

Horn Switch Circuit Test

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the horn switch.
2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for and open/high resistance.

3. Connect the harness connector at the horn switch.
4. Disconnect the X2 harness connector at the underhood fuse block.
5. Connect a test lamp between B+ and the control circuit terminal K3.
6. Press and release the horn switch. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

⇒	If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to ground or a sticking horn switch. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.

⇒	If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to voltage, an open high resistance, or a horn switch which is not closing.

7. Ignition OFF, connect the X2 harness connector at the underhood fuse block. Disconnect the harness connector at the horn assembly.
8. Verify that a test lamp does not illuminate between the control circuit terminal B and ground.

⇒	If the test lamp illuminates, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the underhood fuse block.

9. If all circuits test normal, replace the underhood fuse block.

Horn Circuit Test

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the horn assembly.
2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal A and ground.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for and open/high resistance.

3. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal B and ground.
4. Press and release the horn switch. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.

⇒	If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the underhood fuse block.

⇒	If the test lamp is always OFF and the circuit fuse is good, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the underhood fuse block.

⇒	If the test lamp is always OFF and the circuit fuse is open, test the control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the horn assembly.

5. If all circuit test normal, test or replace the horn assembly.

Horn - Poor Tone

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the horn assembly.
2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal A and ground.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for high resistance.

3. Disconnect the X3 harness connector at the underhood fuse block.
4. Test for less than 1 ohm between the control circuit terminal J3 at the underhood fuse block and the control circuit terminal B at the horn assembly.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, test the control circuit for high resistance.

5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the horn assembly.

Horn

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the horn assembly.
2. Install a 15A fused jumper wire between the control terminal B and 12V. Install a jumper wire between the ground terminal A and ground. Verify the horn emits a clear and even tone.

⇒	If the sound emitted is not clear and even, replace the horn assembly.

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.