Horn relay clicks, no horn - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

phlegm · 03-18-2020, 10:30 PM

Just like the subject. I hear the click but no sound. Is this as easy as replacing the horns?

Metaldoc · 03-18-2020, 10:51 PM

Go online and look up how to fix horns. Fixed mine and it's been working for yrs

ray_mcavoy · 03-18-2020, 10:51 PM

Simply replacing the horn may or may not fix the problem.

You might still be dealing with a horn relay that has bad contacts and isn't sending power to the horn even though the contacts are clicking closed. Or there might be a bad connection in the wire connecting the relay to the horn. Or a bad ground at the horn.

Some additional testing with a multimeter, test light, or jumper wire should help locate the problem.

**Stocker** · 03-18-2020, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ray_mcavoy

Some additional testing with a multimeter, test light, or jumper wire should help locate the problem.

This. Your horn button sends ground through a wire in the steering column to operate the horn relay. You can hear the relay operate (click) so that part should be good.

When the horn relay operates, it sends 12v to the horn(s) on the green wire. Test that wire for voltage. If voltage is present on the connector to the horn but it still doesn't work, you may have a defective horn or a bad ground (through the horn's mounting bolt).

If there's no voltage at the horn's connector, it could be a wiring problem or a bad horn relay. Chase it down with your test light or VOM.

phlegm · 03-18-2020, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

This. Your horn button sends ground through a wire in the steering column to operate the horn relay. You can hear the relay operate (click) so that part should be good.

When the horn relay operates, it sends 12v to the horn(s) on the green wire. Test that wire for voltage. If voltage is present on the connector to the horn but it still doesn't work, you may have a defective horn or a bad ground (through the horn's mounting bolt).

If there's no voltage at the horn's connector, it could be a wiring problem or a bad horn relay. Chase it down with your test light or VOM.

Perfect, this is simple enough even I can do it

toolboxchev · 03-19-2020, 12:16 AM

Are not the old horns adjustable to an extent...I seem to remember seeing what looks like a machine screw? Maybe to adjust pitch?

Killer Bee · 03-19-2020, 12:18 AM

just went through this with my red longhorn.. turned out both horns b/o, expensive critters!

this was my horn tester in my dad's 65 when I brought it out here

racerop · 03-19-2020, 06:43 AM

You have a bad ground

71gmcC15 · 03-19-2020, 10:44 AM

When I got my pickup it did not have a horn installed. I could also hear the relay clicking so I assumed that part was good. Which ot was. So I grabbed one of the horn out of my 94 chevy and got a plug from a different pickup. Wired it up and now it works just fine. Sounds cool to because the way I mounted it vibrates off the core support and it makes it sound kinda creepy.

notsolo · 03-19-2020, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

This. Your horn button sends ground through a wire in the steering column to operate the horn relay. You can hear the relay operate (click) so that part should be good.

When the horn relay operates, it sends 12v to the horn(s) on the green wire. Test that wire for voltage. If voltage is present on the connector to the horn but it still doesn't work, you may have a defective horn or a bad ground (through the horn's mounting bolt).

If there's no voltage at the horn's connector, it could be a wiring problem or a bad horn relay. Chase it down with your test light or VOM.

Thanks for posting a simple solution, that helped get mine sorted out....2 bad horns. Now It works.

phlegm · 03-20-2020, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

This. Your horn button sends ground through a wire in the steering column to operate the horn relay. You can hear the relay operate (click) so that part should be good.

When the horn relay operates, it sends 12v to the horn(s) on the green wire. Test that wire for voltage. If voltage is present on the connector to the horn but it still doesn't work, you may have a defective horn or a bad ground (through the horn's mounting bolt).

If there's no voltage at the horn's connector, it could be a wiring problem or a bad horn relay. Chase it down with your test light or VOM.

So I am getting 12 v at the horn, cleaned the contacts and the bolt and mounting plate to make sure I have a good ground. I am thinking that one of them was already gone and I only now notice it because the working one isn't any longer.

**Stocker** · 03-20-2020, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phlegm

So I am getting 12 v at the horn, cleaned the contacts and the bolt and mounting plate to make sure I have a good ground. I am thinking that one of them was already gone and I only now notice it because the working one isn't any longer.

Last ditch effort -- sometimes you can revive a dead horn by spraying WD-40 into it. More is better. May have to leave it a day or 2 before it can work its magic.

Or it just might be time for new horns. If I'm ever faced with that, I just might consider the 4-horn Cadillac setup.

phlegm · 03-21-2020, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stocker

Last ditch effort -- sometimes you can revive a dead horn by spraying WD-40 into it. More is better. May have to leave it a day or 2 before it can work its magic.

Or it just might be time for new horns. If I'm ever faced with that, I just might consider the 4-horn Cadillac setup.

I want an oooooggggaaH horn! I'll try oil, worked on the locks, so worth a shot.

**Ironangel** · 03-21-2020, 03:45 AM

They have an adjustment screw and lock nut on the back that sometimes needs an adjustment. I did that to mine a few years ago and it's worked every since...

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 03-21-2020, 04:16 AM

You can rebuild the horn[s] by drilling out the rivets, cleaning, de-corroding the insides -- if necessary -- and securing back together with screws and nuts in the ex-rivet holes. Takes a while, but they're not Chinese and they'll sound American when they work, and fit w/o modification.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 03-21-2020, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phlegm

I want an oooooggggaaH horn! I'll try oil, worked on the locks, so worth a shot.

Used to be a JC Whitney item, back in the day. A buddy has one on his '72 F250.

Andy4639 · 03-21-2020, 09:36 AM

You could buy these also. I have them in my 71 C 10 and love it. You flip a switch and it's a normal horn. Flip it again and it's "SEE the USA in Chevorlet".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5IHfBLF_8k

You Tube

68 P.O.S. · 03-21-2020, 09:59 AM

Hahaha, very nice Andy

hamjet · 03-21-2020, 11:24 AM

Pretty cool Andy, I like it!

Andy4639 · 03-21-2020, 08:50 PM

On the Hot Rod Power tour it was great when people where sitting on the side of the road and I played it for them! I got a bunch of thumbs up from them!

phlegm · 03-22-2020, 10:50 AM

I ended up putting in the cheepos from HB, they don't sound too bad and at 9.99 for both I can replace them a fee times. Only had to run a short wire to the chassis for the ground.

**'68OrangeSunshine** · 03-22-2020, 04:35 PM

I have a pair of Harbor Freight ''Freeway Blasters" [?] by Fiamma in my '71 GMC Jimmy. Hi -Lo, agressive tones, hi dB. To my surprise, they were made in USA [then]. Maybe cost ~$17 then. Still work great. Saved the Delco Remy horns for later resurection.
On my '68 C/10 Stepside, I rebuilt the OEM horn [Single unit, key of 'C'] and added a higher pitched one from a '70s Mercedes. When they sound off, it's like jazz, Man... Like Monk on a rant. Unfortunately, I can't find the short in the steering column. The Black wire is not pinched. Horn relay's always on, or clicking on turns. So it's disconnected until I can R&R the steering column and replace the upper and lower bearing races, and hopefully then the horn contacts will play as intended. If that doesn't work, I have a black cheapie horn button from AutoZone, but there's really no space on the side of the column with a 3'' hose clamp holding the Tach in place.
Until it's fixed, I'm stuck using ''Italian'' hand gestures, or glaring silence at offending drivers.

03-18-2020, 10:30 PM	#1
phlegm Still Green but learning Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Central NC Posts: 1,895	Horn relay clicks, no horn Just like the subject. I hear the click but no sound. Is this as easy as replacing the horns? __________________ -- Cory 71 Cheyenne 10 - SWB, 350, "3 on the tree" AC cab 07 Suburban LTZ 4x4 2010 Acura TL 98 Mastercraft "FrankenStar" 225 27253 UPS/USPS IIOY....nope never was

03-18-2020, 10:51 PM	#2
Metaldoc Registered User Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Ayr Ontario Posts: 1,122	Re: Horn relay clicks, no horn Go online and look up how to fix horns. Fixed mine and it's been working for yrs __________________ Do it, Do it right, Do it right the first time

03-18-2020, 10:51 PM	#3
ray_mcavoy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Sherman, ME Posts: 2,358	Re: Horn relay clicks, no horn Simply replacing the horn may or may not fix the problem. You might still be dealing with a horn relay that has bad contacts and isn't sending power to the horn even though the contacts are clicking closed. Or there might be a bad connection in the wire connecting the relay to the horn. Or a bad ground at the horn. Some additional testing with a multimeter, test light, or jumper wire should help locate the problem.

03-19-2020, 12:16 AM	#6
toolboxchev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: 2nd left past the stump on a dirt road. Posts: 2,629	Re: Horn relay clicks, no horn Are not the old horns adjustable to an extent...I seem to remember seeing what looks like a machine screw? Maybe to adjust pitch?

03-19-2020, 12:18 AM	#7
Killer Bee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Barber City, CA Posts: 4,741	Re: Horn relay clicks, no horn just went through this with my red longhorn.. turned out both horns b/o, expensive critters! this was my horn tester in my dad's 65 when I brought it out here __________________ *I started out with nothing - and I still have most of it*

03-19-2020, 06:43 AM	#8
racerop Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Lindenwold, NJ Posts: 94	Re: Horn relay clicks, no horn You have a bad ground

03-19-2020, 10:44 AM	#9
71gmcC15 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Doland SD Posts: 836	Re: Horn relay clicks, no horn When I got my pickup it did not have a horn installed. I could also hear the relay clicking so I assumed that part was good. Which ot was. So I grabbed one of the horn out of my 94 chevy and got a plug from a different pickup. Wired it up and now it works just fine. Sounds cool to because the way I mounted it vibrates off the core support and it makes it sound kinda creepy. __________________ ( second times the charm) 71 gmc c15 307 sbc 373 rear gears positrac sm 465 trans. ( not listed on spid but is original ) 94 chevy k1500 350 tbi 373 rear gears 4l60e one wheel peel. Gutless 07 gmc sierra classic rcsb 4.3 lt 5 speed w/t 04 chevy Silverado 1500 ext cab 5.3 4l60e. 81 chevy Scottsdale k10 muncie sm465 Np208 10 bolt 8.2 ( Old Green)

03-21-2020, 03:45 AM	#14
Ironangel Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Falls City, Nebraska "100 Miles From Nowhere" Posts: 2,219	Re: Horn relay clicks, no horn They have an adjustment screw and lock nut on the back that sometimes needs an adjustment. I did that to mine a few years ago and it's worked every since... __________________ Michael of the clan Hill, "Two Seventy Two's" 71 1-ton Dually 350 4-Speed 71 C/50 Grain Truck, 350 Split-Axle 4-Speed 02 3/4 ton Express 14 Indian Chief Vintage 1952 Ford 8N, "Only Ford Allowed On The Property" "Be American, Buy American"

03-21-2020, 04:16 AM	#15
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,098	Re: Horn relay clicks, no horn You can rebuild the horn[s] by drilling out the rivets, cleaning, de-corroding the insides -- if necessary -- and securing back together with screws and nuts in the ex-rivet holes. Takes a while, but they're not Chinese and they'll sound American when they work, and fit w/o modification. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not.

03-21-2020, 09:59 AM	#18
68 P.O.S. Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 1,661	Re: Horn relay clicks, no horn Hahaha, very nice Andy __________________ 72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo

03-21-2020, 11:24 AM	#19
hamjet Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: South Westerlo, New York Posts: 1,325	Re: Horn relay clicks, no horn Pretty cool Andy, I like it! __________________ Thanks, Joe.. 1969 C/10, 348 C.I., 3X2 bbl. V8, 2004r , LWB.

03-21-2020, 08:50 PM	#20
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,936	Re: Horn relay clicks, no horn On the Hot Rod Power tour it was great when people where sitting on the side of the road and I played it for them! I got a bunch of thumbs up from them! __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

03-22-2020, 10:50 AM	#21
phlegm Still Green but learning Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Central NC Posts: 1,895	Re: Horn relay clicks, no horn I ended up putting in the cheepos from HB, they don't sound too bad and at 9.99 for both I can replace them a fee times. Only had to run a short wire to the chassis for the ground. __________________ -- Cory 71 Cheyenne 10 - SWB, 350, "3 on the tree" AC cab 07 Suburban LTZ 4x4 2010 Acura TL 98 Mastercraft "FrankenStar" 225 27253 UPS/USPS IIOY....nope never was

03-22-2020, 04:35 PM	#22
'68OrangeSunshine Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Tucson, AZ USA Posts: 7,098	Re: Horn relay clicks, no horn I have a pair of Harbor Freight ''Freeway Blasters" [?] by Fiamma in my '71 GMC Jimmy. Hi -Lo, agressive tones, hi dB. To my surprise, they were made in USA [then]. Maybe cost ~$17 then. Still work great. Saved the Delco Remy horns for later resurection. On my '68 C/10 Stepside, I rebuilt the OEM horn [Single unit, key of 'C'] and added a higher pitched one from a '70s Mercedes. When they sound off, it's like jazz, Man... Like Monk on a rant. Unfortunately, I can't find the short in the steering column. The Black wire is not pinched. Horn relay's always on, or clicking on turns. So it's disconnected until I can R&R the steering column and replace the upper and lower bearing races, and hopefully then the horn contacts will play as intended. If that doesn't work, I have a black cheapie horn button from AutoZone, but there's really no space on the side of the column with a 3'' hose clamp holding the Tach in place. Until it's fixed, I'm stuck using ''Italian'' hand gestures, or glaring silence at offending drivers. __________________ Every 25 years I like to rebuild that 292, whether it needs it or not. Last edited by '68OrangeSunshine; 03-22-2020 at 05:15 PM.



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