Horn: Description and Operation

HORN SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION

The horn system features one low-note horn unit. The horn system uses a non-switched source of battery current so that the system will remain functional, regardless of the ignition switch position. The horn system includes the following components:
- Clockspring
- Horn
- Horn relay
- Horn switch

OPERATION

The horn system is activated by a horn switch concealed beneath the driver side airbag module trim cover in the center of the steering wheel. Depressing the center of the driver side airbag module trim cover closes the horn switch. Closing the horn switch activates the horn relay. The activated horn relay then switches the battery current needed to energize the horns.

HORN

DESCRIPTION

The horn is secured with a bracket to the left front inner fender shield just ahead of the left front wheel house in the engine compartment.

The horn cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if faulty or damaged, it must be replaced.

OPERATION

Within the two halves of the molded plastic horn housing are a flexible diaphragm, a plunger, an electromagnetic coil and a set of contact points. The diaphragm is secured in suspension around its perimeter by the mating surfaces of the horn housing. The plunger is secured to the center of the diaphragm and extends into the center of the electromagnet. The contact points control the current flow through the electromagnet.

When the horn is energized, electrical current flows through the closed contact points to the electromagnet. The resulting electromagnetic field draws the plunger and diaphragm toward it until that movement mechanically opens the contact points. When the contact points open, the electromagnetic field collapses allowing the plunger and diaphragm to return to their relaxed positions and closing the contact points again. This cycle continues repeating at a very rapid rate producing the vibration and movement of air that creates the sound that is directed through the horn outlet.