The other day, I was driving to work when a car suddenly pulled out in front of me. I went to honk my horn to alert them, but to my surprise, nothing happened! I quickly swerved to avoid a collision, but it was a close call. It was then that I realized just how important a functioning car horn is for safety on the roads.
Symptoms of a faulty car horn
The most obvious sign of a problem with your car horn is when you press the horn button or steering wheel pad and no sound comes out. You might also notice:
- A weak or less powerful horn sound than usual
- Clicking noises coming from the horn itself
- The horn goes off randomly or not turning off
If you experience any of these issues, it’s important to get your horn checked out as soon as possible.
Common causes of horn failure
There are several reasons why your car horn may stop working:
- A blown fuse in the horn’s electrical circuit
- A faulty horn relay that controls power to the horn
- Damage to the actual horn unit from exposure to the elements
- Issues with the horn switch in the steering wheel
- A bad clock spring that maintains the electrical connection as the wheel turns
- Wiring problems like corrosion, loose connections, or shorts
Figuring out the exact cause can require some electrical diagnostic skills, so it’s often best to leave it to the professionals.
What’s involved in fixing a broken horn
The repair process will depend on what’s causing the issue. It could be as simple as replacing a blown fuse or swapping out a bad relay. More complex fixes might involve replacing the entire horn unit, the horn switch, or the clock spring. This can require removing the steering wheel and dealing with the airbag system, which is definitely a job for a qualified mechanic.
Tracking down wiring problems can also be tricky and time-consuming. A professional will have the tools and expertise to efficiently diagnose and repair any faults in the horn’s electrical circuit.
How much does a horn repair cost in NZ?
The cost of fixing a faulty car horn in New Zealand can vary depending on the specific issue and the make and model of your vehicle. Simple fixes like a fuse or relay replacement might only set you back around $50-$100. But if you need a new horn unit, horn switch, or clock spring, you could be looking at several hundred dollars or more.
To give you an idea, here are some rough estimates for common horn repairs in NZ:
- Horn unit replacement: $150-$300+
- Horn switch replacement: $200-$400+
- Clock spring replacement: $300-$600+
Keep in mind that these are just ballpark figures and actual costs may be higher or lower depending on your specific vehicle and the complexity of the repair.