Why doesn't the Volvo XC90 horn sound?

[MacFinn]

Volvo XC90 horn not sounding specific reasons are as follows: 1. Contact point erosion: Prolonged pressing of the horn causes erosion of the horn contacts, resulting in a certain impedance that weakens the current flowing through the electromagnetic coil (reducing electromagnetic attraction). 2. Moisture due to poor sealing: Car horns have good sealing properties, but over time, the sealing may degrade. 3. Poor contact at the electromagnetic coil terminal: The terminals of the electromagnetic coil inside the horn are not soldered but crimped with aluminum metal rivets. If the insulation varnish on the enameled wire ends is improperly treated or the rivets are not securely crimped, poor contact (false connection) can easily occur, causing the car horn to work intermittently.

[VanEsther]

When the horn of my XC90 doesn't work, I often wonder if it's caused by minor issues, such as poor contact of the buttons on the steering wheel, which may not respond when pressed, possibly due to excessive use wearing out the contacts. Another common issue is the aging of the horn itself, especially in humid weather where water ingress can cause a short circuit, preventing the sound from coming out. The fuse is also a critical point; I open the hood and look for the corresponding fuse in the fuse box, and replacing it with a new one might solve the problem. Loose wiring connections are another frequent cause—the horn's wire plug may have loosened due to long-term vibration, so I need to unplug and reconnect it tightly. Additionally, if the vehicle's electrical system has unstable voltage, the horn relay may not function properly, requiring a professional shop to check the fault codes with a diagnostic tool. Overall, these issues are relatively easy to fix, and DIY inspections can save a lot of trouble, but avoid touching high-voltage wires—safety first.

[VanEli]

I remember last time when I was driving the XC90, the horn suddenly stopped working, which was really frustrating. Starting with the simplest possibilities: a faulty button is a prime suspect. When pressing the center of the steering wheel, there was no tactile feedback, probably due to a broken internal spring. Then I considered if there was an issue with the wiring. After prolonged driving and lots of bumps, the horn's power cable connector might have loosened. Tightening the connection plug improved the situation significantly. A blown fuse is also quite common. Checking the corresponding position in the fuse box manual revealed it was indeed burnt black. I also heard from a mechanic that the horn relay in the XC90 can sometimes get stuck, especially in cold winter temperatures when insufficient lubrication affects the switch. If I couldn't figure it out myself, I'd just head straight to a Volvo specialist repair shop to avoid worsening the problem through amateur attempts, which would waste money and time. It's a good habit to regularly check the horn to avoid malfunctions during emergencies.

[CameronLee]

Horn failure in the XC90 is often caused by several hardware issues: First, the horn button switch may be damaged, failing to trigger the circuit when pressed, requiring a check of its connectivity. Second, the horn relay may malfunction, unable to properly control current flow, which could be due to oxidized relay contacts or coil failure. Wiring problems are also common, such as corroded connectors or blown fuses, interrupting power supply. Lastly, the horn itself may fail, with the speaker unit being damaged or having water accumulation. The solution involves step-by-step troubleshooting, starting with replacing the fuse, then using a multimeter to test the relay and switch circuits to ensure safety. Regular maintenance includes avoiding excessive force when pressing the button to reduce wear and extend lifespan.