AN HORN SYSTEMS 8G - 1

HORN SYSTEMS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

page page

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION HORN SWITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

HORN SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 HORN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
HORN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
HORN RELAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 HORN RELAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
HORN SWITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 HORN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
HORN RELAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION Refer to the owner’s manual in the vehicle glove
box for more information on the features, use and
HORN SYSTEM operation of the horn system.

CENTRAL TIMER MODULE

DESCRIPTION
A dual-note electric horn system is standard facto- The high-line Central Timer Module (CTM) can
ry-installed equipment on this model. The standard also operate the horn system. A high-line CTM is
equipment horn system features one low-note horn used on high-line versions of this vehicle. The CTM
unit and one high-note horn unit. The horn system combines the functions of a chime/buzzer module, an
uses a non-switched source of battery current so that intermittent wipe module, an illuminated entry mod-
the system will remain functional, regardless of the ule, a remote keyless entry module, and a vehicle
ignition switch position. The horn system includes theft security system module in a single unit.
the following components: The high-line CTM also controls and integrates
• Clockspring many of the additional electronic functions and fea-
• High-line Central Timer Module (CTM) tures included on models with this option. The horn
• Horns relay is one of the hard wired outputs of the CTM.
• Horn relay The high-line CTM is programmed to energize or de-
• Horn switch energize the horn relay in response to certain inputs
Refer to Clockspring in the Description and Oper- from the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) system and/or
ation section of Group 8M - Passive Restraint Sys- the Vehicle Theft Security System (VTSS).
tems for more information on this component. Refer Refer to Central Timer Module in the Descrip-
to Central Timer Module in the Description and tion and Operation section of Group 8E - Instrument
Operation section of Group 8E - Instrument Panel Panel Systems for more information on the high-line
Systems for more information on this component. CTM. Refer to Remote Keyless Entry System in
Refer to Horn/Cigar Lighter/Power Outlet in the the Description and Operation section of Group 8P -
Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams for com- Power Lock Systems for more information on the
plete circuit diagrams. Following are general descrip- RKE system. Refer to Vehicle Theft Security Sys-
tions of the remaining major components in the horn tem in the Description and Operation section of
system. Group 8Q - Vehicle Theft/Security Systems for more
information on the VTSS.
OPERATION
The horn system is activated by a horn switch con- HORN
cealed beneath the driver side airbag module trim
cover in the center of the steering wheel. Depressing DESCRIPTION
the center of the driver side airbag module trim cover The dual electromagnetic diaphragm-type horns
closes the horn switch. Closing the horn switch acti- are standard equipment on this model. Both horns
vates the horn relay. The activated horn relay then are mounted on a single bracket that is secured to
switches the battery current needed to energize the the front of the left vertical member of the radiator
horns. support, just behind the radiator grille and forward
8G - 2 HORN SYSTEMS AN
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
of the radiator. The high-note horn is connected in are the same as a conventional ISO relay. However,
parallel with the low-note horn. The horns are con- the ISO micro-relay terminal pattern (or footprint) is
nected to the vehicle electrical system through the different, the current capacity is lower, and the phys-
headlamp and dash wire harness. Each horn is ical dimensions are smaller than those of the conven-
grounded through its wire harness connector and a tional ISO relay.
ground circuit to an eyelet terminal secured by a The horn relay cannot be repaired or adjusted and,
ground screw located on the right front inner fender if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.
behind the right headlamp, and receives battery cur-
rent through the closed contacts of the horn relay. OPERATION
Both horns and the mounting bracket are serviced The ISO relay consists of an electromagnetic coil, a
as a single unit. The horns cannot be repaired or resistor or diode, and three (two fixed and one mov-
adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, the entire horn able) electrical contacts. The movable (common feed)
and bracket unit must be replaced. relay contact is held against one of the fixed contacts
(normally closed) by spring pressure. When the elec-
OPERATION tromagnetic coil is energized, it draws the movable
Within the two halves of the molded plastic horn contact away from the normally closed fixed contact,
housing are a flexible diaphragm, a plunger, an elec- and holds it against the other (normally open) fixed
tromagnetic coil and a set of contact points. The dia- contact.
phragm is secured in suspension around its When the electromagnetic coil is de-energized,
perimeter by the mating surfaces of the horn hous- spring pressure returns the movable contact to the
ing. The plunger is secured to the center of the dia- normally closed position. The resistor or diode is con-
phragm and extends into the center of the nected in parallel with the electromagnetic coil in the
electromagnetic coil. The contact points control the relay, and helps to dissipate voltage spikes that are
current flow through the electromagnet. produced when the coil is de-energized.
When the horn is energized, electrical current
flows through the closed contact points to the electro- HORN SWITCH
magnet. The resulting electromagnetic field draws
the plunger and diaphragm toward it until that DESCRIPTION
movement mechanically opens the contact points. A center-blow, normally open, resistive membrane-
When the contact points open, the electromagnetic type horn switch is secured with heat stakes to the
field collapses allowing the plunger and diaphragm to back side of the driver side airbag module trim cover
return to their relaxed positions and closing the con- in the center of the steering wheel (Fig. 1). The
tact points again. This cycle continues repeating at a switch consists of two plastic membranes, one that is
very rapid rate producing the vibration and move- flat and one that is slightly convex. These two mem-
ment of air that creates the sound that is directed branes are secured to each other around the perime-
through the horn outlet. ter. Inside the switch, the centers of the facing
surfaces of these membranes each has a grid made
HORN RELAY with an electrically conductive material applied to it.
One of the grids is connected to a circuit that pro-
DESCRIPTION vides it with continuity to ground at all times. The
The horn relay is a electromechanical device that grid of the other membrane is connected to the horn
switches battery current to the horn when the horn relay control circuit.
switch grounds the relay coil. The horn relay is The steering wheel and steering column must be
located in the Junction Block (JB), on the left end of properly grounded in order for the horn switch to
the instrument panel in the passenger compartment. function properly. The horn switch is only serviced as
If a problem is encountered with a continuously a part of the driver side airbag module trim cover. If
sounding horn, it can usually be quickly resolved by the horn switch is damaged or faulty, or if the driver
removing the horn relay from the JB until further side airbag is deployed, the driver side airbag module
diagnosis is completed. See the fuse and relay layout trim cover and horn switch must be replaced as a
label affixed to the inside surface of the fuse access unit.
panel for horn relay identification and location.
The horn relay is a International Standards Orga- OPERATION
nization (ISO) micro-relay. Relays conforming to the When the center area of the driver side airbag trim
ISO specifications have common physical dimensions, cover is depressed, the electrically conductive grids
current capacities, terminal patterns, and terminal on the facing surfaces of the horn switch membranes
functions. The ISO micro-relay terminal functions contact each other, closing the switch circuit. The
AN HORN SYSTEMS 8G - 3
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)
(1) Remove the horn relay from the JB. Refer to
Horn Relay in the Removal and Installation section
of this group for the procedures.
(2) A relay in the de-energized position should
have continuity between terminals 87A and 30, and
no continuity between terminals 87 and 30. If OK, go
to Step 3. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(3) Resistance between terminals 85 and 86 (elec-
tromagnet) should be 75 6 5 ohms. If OK, go to Step
4. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.
(4) Connect a battery to terminals 85 and 86.
There should now be continuity between terminals
30 and 87, and no continuity between terminals 87A
and 30. If OK, perform the Relay Circuit Test that
follows. If not OK, replace the faulty relay.

Fig. 1 Driver Side Airbag Module Trim Cover and

Horn Switch
1 – RETAINER SLOTS
2 – RETAINER SLOTS
3 – HORN SWITCH
TERMINAL LEGEND
4 – LOCKING BLOCKS
NUMBER IDENTIFICATION

30 COMMON FEED
completed horn switch circuit provides a ground for 85 COIL GROUND
the control coil side of the horn relay, which activates 86 COIL BATTERY
the relay. When the horn switch is released, the 87 NORMALLY OPEN
resistive tension of the convex membrane separates 87A NORMALLY CLOSED
the two electrically conductive grids and opens the
switch circuit.
Fig. 2 Horn Relay

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING RELAY CIRCUIT TEST

(1) The relay common feed terminal cavity (30) is
connected to battery voltage and should be hot at all
HORN RELAY
times. If OK, go to Step 2. If not OK, repair the open
The horn relay (Fig. 2) is located in the Junction
circuit to the fuse in the PDC as required.
Block (JB) on the left end of the instrument panel in
(2) The relay normally closed terminal (87A) is
the passenger compartment of the vehicle. If a prob-
connected to terminal 30 in the de-energized position,
lem is encountered with a continuously sounding
but is not used for this application. Go to Step 3.
horn, it can usually be quickly resolved by removing
(3) The relay normally open terminal (87) is con-
the horn relay from the JB until further diagnosis is
nected to the common feed terminal (30) in the ener-
completed. See the fuse and relay layout label affixed
gized position. This terminal supplies battery voltage
to the inside surface of the fuse access panel for horn
to the horn(s). There should be continuity between
relay identification and location. For complete circuit
the cavity for relay terminal 87 and the horn relay
diagrams, refer to Horn/Cigar Lighter/Power Out-
output circuit cavity of each horn wire harness con-
let in the Contents of Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.
nector at all times. If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK,
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR- repair the open circuit to the horn(s) as required.
BAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE (4) The coil battery terminal (86) is connected to
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY the electromagnet in the relay. It is connected to bat-
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR tery voltage and should be hot at all times. Check for
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR battery voltage at the cavity for relay terminal 86. If
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE- OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the open circuit to
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR- the fuse in the PDC as required.
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL (5) The coil ground terminal (85) is connected to
INJURY. the electromagnet in the relay. It is grounded
8G - 4 HORN SYSTEMS AN
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)
through the horn switch when the horn switch is nuity. If OK, go to Step 7. If not OK, replace the
depressed. On vehicles equipped with the Remote faulty horn switch.
Keyless Entry (RKE) system, the horn relay coil (7) Depress the center of the driver side airbag
ground terminal can also be grounded by the Central module trim cover and check for continuity between
Timer Module (CTM) in response to certain inputs the horn switch feed wire and the horn switch
related to the RKE system or the Vehicle Theft Secu- ground wire on the driver side airbag module. There
rity System. Check for continuity to ground at the should now be continuity. If not OK, replace the
cavity for relay terminal 85. There should be conti- faulty horn switch.
nuity with the horn switch depressed, and no conti-
nuity with the horn switch released. If not OK, refer HORN
to Horn Switch in the Diagnosis and Testing section For complete circuit diagrams, refer to Horn/Ci-
of this group. gar Lighter/Power Outlet in the Contents of
Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams.
HORN SWITCH (1) Disconnect the wire harness connector(s) from
For complete circuit diagrams, refer to Horn/Ci- the horn connector receptacle(s). Measure the resis-
gar Lighter/Power Outlet in the Contents of tance between the ground circuit cavity of the horn(s)
Group 8W - Wiring Diagrams. wire harness connector(s) and a good ground. There
should be no measurable resistance. If OK, go to Step
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR- 2. If not OK, repair the open ground circuit to ground
BAGS, REFER TO GROUP 8M - PASSIVE as required.
RESTRAINT SYSTEMS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY (2) Check for battery voltage at the horn relay out-
STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR put circuit cavity of the horn(s) wire harness connec-
INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR tor(s). There should be zero volts. If OK, go to Step 3.
SERVICE. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE- If not OK, repair the shorted horn relay output cir-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR- cuit or replace the faulty horn relay as required.
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL (3) Depress the horn switch. There should now be
INJURY. battery voltage at the horn relay output circuit cavity
of the horn(s) wire harness connector(s). If OK,
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative replace the faulty horn(s). If not OK, repair the open
cable. Remove the steering column opening cover horn relay output circuit to the horn relay as
from the instrument panel. required.
(2) Check for continuity between the metal steer-
ing column jacket and a good ground. There should
be continuity. If OK, go to Step 3. If not OK, refer to REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
Steering Column in the Removal and Installation
section of Group 19 - Steering for proper installation HORN RELAY
of the steering column.
(3) Remove the driver side airbag module from the WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
steering wheel. Disconnect the horn switch wire har- BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ness connectors from the driver side airbag module. ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
(4) Remove the horn relay from the Junction Block COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
(JB). Check for continuity between the steering col- DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
umn half of the horn switch feed wire harness con- LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
nector and a good ground. There should be no THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
continuity. If OK, go to Step 5. If not OK, repair the TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
shorted horn relay control circuit to the horn relay in FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
the JB as required. IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
(5) Check for continuity between the steering col- SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
umn half of the horn switch feed wire harness con- CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
nector and the horn relay control circuit cavity for BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
the horn relay in the JB. There should be continuity. INJURY.
If OK, go to Step 6. If not OK, repair the open horn
relay control circuit to the horn relay in the JB as
required. REMOVAL
(6) Check for continuity between the horn switch (1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
feed wire and the horn switch ground wire on the cable.
driver side airbag module. There should be no conti-
AN HORN SYSTEMS 8G - 5
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)
(2) Remove the fuse access panel by inserting a HORN
finger in the finger recess molded into the panel and
then pulling the panel sharply away from the left REMOVAL
outboard end of the instrument panel (Fig. 3). (1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Disconnect the headlamp and dash wire har-
ness connectors from the horn connector receptacles
(Fig. 4).

Fig. 3 Horn Relay Remove/Install

1 – INSTRUMENT PANEL
2 – JUNCTION BLOCK
3 – FUSE ACCESS PANEL
4 – HORN RELAY

(3) See the fuse and relay layout label affixed to

the inside of the fuse access panel for horn relay
Fig. 4 Horns Remove/Install
identification and location.
1 – RADIATOR SUPPORT
(4) Grasp the horn relay firmly and pull it straight
2 – HEADLAMP AND DASH WIRE HARNESS
out from the JB. 3 – LOW NOTE
4 – SCREW
INSTALLATION 5 – HORN AND BRACKET
(1) See the fuse and relay layout label affixed to 6 – HIGH NOTE
the inside of the fuse access panel for the proper
horn relay location.
(3) Remove the screw that secures the horn and
(2) Position the horn relay in the proper receptacle
mounting bracket unit to the front of the left vertical
in the JB.
member of the radiator support.
(3) Align the horn relay terminals with the termi-
(4) Remove the horn and mounting bracket unit
nal cavities in the JB receptacle.
from the radiator support.
(4) Push in firmly on the horn relay until the ter-
minals are fully seated in the terminal cavities in the
INSTALLATION
JB receptacle.
(1) Position the horn and mounting bracket unit
(5) Insert the tabs on the forward edge of the fuse
onto the front of the left vertical member of the radi-
access panel in the notches on the forward edge of
ator support.
the instrument panel fuse access panel opening.
(2) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
(6) Press the rear edge of the fuse access panel in
horn and mounting bracket unit to the radiator sup-
toward the instrument panel until the panel snaps
port. Tighten the screw to 10.7 N·m (95 in. lbs.).
back into place.
(3) Reconnect the headlamp and dash wire harness
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
connectors to the horn connector receptacles.
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.