Horns not working and location please?

Tiny
RJVINCE7777
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 4.8L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
When I pressed the steering wheel pad multiple times the horn gave a weak sound, once it did give a louder sound for a brief moment.

when I use the security alarm remote it gives a weak sound.

I did remove the relay fuse which I believe was a big block. And let it sit a moment while I removed the one next to it which was the same one and switched them out.

once I did that the while pressing the steering wheel horn pad, the horn seemed to stop working then after a while it would start again producing a weak sound a louder sound for a moment then weak again.

any ideas?
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016 AT 9:38 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Try replacing the relay its in the under h ood fuse box. Fuse box marked on inside what is which relay
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Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016 AT 12:27 PM
Tiny
RJVINCE7777
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Now, My engine light came on and upon taking to have the code diagnosed, the code reader would not read from the factory socket.
I should probably look into the fuse box under the hood.

Best Regards,

RJVince7777
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Monday, March 28th, 2016 AT 10:44 PM
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
First thing is to try another code reader as some don't always work. Check fuse box but I don't think you have one for that. It may be a connection problem like a connector or wiring issue.
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Tuesday, March 29th, 2016 AT 5:55 AM
Tiny
MAILDAD
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE
My horn doesn't honk, I already checked the relay and the fuse so is there anything else I should do before buying a new horn? I need help so I can get my vehicle registration. The problem seems so simple but I need help badly.
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny
Here is the information you requested. Here is a tutorial for you to view for wiring testing as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I've attached picture steps below showing the horn locations and replacement instructions. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MFOHNER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE
Electrical problem V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 210000 miles

I have been told there are two horns on the tahoe. I have found one in front of the wheel well-passenger side. Where is the other? Also, if only one do I use a high tone or low tone?
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,690 POSTS
Hello,

There are two horn at the front of the frame rails on the opposite side of vehicle, similar location.

Here is a diagram to help you see.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/261618_1_102.jpg



Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BOBP1937
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 CHEVROLET TAHOE
Electrical problem
1998 Chevy Tahoe V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 175.00 miles

My horn only works once in a blue moon. With the air bag on my horn how do I access my wire connection for my horn. It seems when my wheel is turned to the right it will work however that is on a rare occasion
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Welcome, your probably right about the problem being in the steering column, but, double check by honking the horn from the horn relay, if you haven't already.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/170934_tahoe_horn_1.jpg



You can put a jumper between c3 and d1, the horn should honk like crazy. If it doesn't, the problem is elsewhere, not the steering column.

As far as the steering wheel, I'd disable the airbag first.
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BP60DEUCE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 267,000 MILES
I hot wired at relay in fuse box and the horn will blow. I’ve removed steering wheel and airbag and the clock spring, not sure what the clock spring has to do with the horn blowing but other sites tell me it may need to be replaced.
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
The clock spring is what allows the signal from you pressing the horn switch to go through the steering wheel to send the signal down to the horn itself. If you didn't have a clock spring then you would need wires to go through the column but when you turn the steering wheel those wires would get twisted up and cause an issue. So the clock-spring allows you to turn the wheel but the keep the electrical contact. Take a look at the wiring diagram and it gives a little more detail. They call it a Horn Slip Ring but this is part of the clock-spring.

Let me know if you have questions but I suspect this is your issue. I included the process of how to replace this if you have a tilt wheel. If you do not I can send you that process, just let me know. Thanks
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Thursday, January 28th, 2021 AT 9:50 AM (Merged)

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