Why Does a Car Horn Go Mute?
3 Answers
Car horns go mute primarily due to poor contact at the horn terminals. Here are the relevant details: 1. Cause: Frequent and prolonged use of the horn can cause the horn contacts to burn and corrode, creating impedance. This reduces the current in the electromagnetic coil, weakening its magnetic force, which in turn loses the attraction needed to vibrate the diaphragm, resulting in a hoarse horn sound. 2. Function of the Horn: Designed to alert others, the horn must produce a loud sound. If it sounds hoarse, it may fail to attract the attention of pedestrians and other vehicles, potentially leading to traffic accidents. 3. Maintenance Tips: Avoid pressing the horn for extended periods—preferably no longer than 10 seconds—to prevent contact burning and horn damage. Keep the horn exterior clean and avoid direct water spray during car washing to prevent water ingress, which can mute the horn. If water does enter, promptly dry it with an air gun. Regularly check the horn's fixing screws to ensure proper grounding and inspect the engine's output voltage to prevent damage from excessive voltage (which can burn the horn contacts) or abnormal sound due to low voltage. Avoid modifying the horn arbitrarily; if modifications are necessary, consult a professional to prevent incorrect placement of metal and insulating pads, which can cause horn malfunctions.
In my years of driving experience, a malfunctioning horn is often due to these reasons: a blown fuse is the most common, cutting off when current exceeds; aging of the horn itself, with internal coil breakage or contact corrosion; loose or corroded wiring connections leading to poor contact; relay failure, where pressing the button yields no response; sometimes the steering wheel button is dirty and stuck. It's recommended to first check the fuse box, locate the corresponding fuse, and try replacing it with a new one. If that doesn't work, avoid tampering with the wiring—safety first, and promptly visit a professional repair shop. After all, a non-functioning horn poses significant dangers in traffic, especially at intersections where you can't alert others.
As someone who frequently commutes in the city, I get frustrated when the horn doesn't work. It might be a blown fuse, so try replacing it with a new one in the car's fuse box. If it's not the fuse, the issue is likely a loose horn button or a broken spring—cleaning it might help. Short circuits due to aging wiring are common, especially when water from car washing splashes onto low-positioned horns, causing rust and corrosion. Start with basic self-checks to save time; if it's complicated, consult a technician. Paying attention to keeping your parking environment dry can extend the lifespan of parts and reduce unexpected issues.
