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Horn Relay question

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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 05:31 PM
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Default Horn Relay question

I am presuming that the horn relay (on a '72) has to do/affects the horn, but does it accomplish anything else? I don't know what to look at or test to see if it would be worth replacing. Heck, I don't even have any horns [attached] to test that! I did take a light and test the plug that (looks like) goes to a horn and got no response. Thanks.
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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 06:26 PM
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The horn relay also acts as the ignition key buzzer (when you open your door with the key in the ignition). I think that's all it does...horn and buzzer.
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Old Mar 31, 2007 | 07:57 PM
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On my 79 its above the fuse panel.\
Mine did not work. I pulled off the plastic cover piece and use WD-40 on the spring/plunger. Worked a treat after that.
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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 09:27 AM
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On my 71 its more than a horn relay and buzzer...its also a junction block for positive power feeds. If your unsure, replace it and keep the old one as a spare. I do keep a few spare parts for my car just in case...and the the horn relay is one of them.
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Old Apr 1, 2007 | 09:10 PM
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Thanks for all the responses. I shall pursue a replacement.
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Old Apr 2, 2007 | 12:48 AM
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You can test it by listening for a click when it should be activated. With the horns disconnected, if you press the horn button, you should hear and audible click when the relay's triggered. Do it with the stereo and motor off, since either will drown it out.

If you're horn stuff doesn't function, you can jump certain wires to isolate it, assuming there's power to it. I can't recall off hand which to jump and I'm on the road, so I don't have all my stuff on it. Someone will chime in with which wires to use.

C
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Old Apr 2, 2007 | 12:47 PM
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Thanks, I will test it when I get home.
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Old Apr 2, 2007 | 12:59 PM
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This is only from memory and mine sometimes fails.
You have 3 wires, one live/12 bolts, one ground going to horn ring and one going to the horns.
'When you press the horn ring it grounds the wire causing the relay to close. When the relay closes a pair of contacts are closed and power is sent by the 3rd wire to the horns.
If you jump the live wire and the one going to the horns they will honk. If you jump the wrong wire to the live one, the one grounded to the horn ring nothing will happen since the horn ring is NOT grounded. Just jump away and see if anything works.
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