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Thread: spontaneous horn failure in 01 silverado 6.6

  1. #1

    Default spontaneous horn failure in 01 silverado 6.6

    recently our horn just quit working with no explanation.

    my car's horn went once and it was gradual, this was just horn one day then nothing the next.

    if you press the horn and listen near the horns you can hear the snap like it's turning on, but no horn.

    before I repalce the horn itself is there something else that might fail?

    checked the fuses and they are good.

    coudl it be wiring etc?

    thanks
    2001 Chevy silverado 2500HD 4x4, crew cab,5-speed Allison, 6.6 Duramax

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Apr 2001
    Location
    CA
    Posts
    13,574

    Arrow

    Make sure the horn is securely mounted and the connections aren't corroded. If all looks good, then....

    Check the horn relay in the underhood fuse box. It will be the one closest to the fender, in the middle. It should click when the horn is sounded (or attempted to sound). Try (temporarily) switching the relay with one of the others that look the same and have the same number on it. The relay may be bad, or have a bad connection. R/R'ing it may fix a bad connection, but if the replacement relay makes the horn work, and it doesn't work when the original relay is reinstalled, the relay needs to be replaced. Most parts stores carry them. They'll be able to match it by the part number on the relay.

    If no joy with the relay, check/clean the switch contact in the steering wheel. You will have to remove the airbag/horn button assy. Pull the airbag fuse (center of the in cab fuse box, 15A) then disconnect the YELLOW connector near the column above the brake pedal. That's the connector for the airbag. There are 2 slots at the back of the steering wheel to access the airbag release (9 and 3 o'clock, with the wheel centered, but you can't get to them with the wheel centered, and it's easier if the wheel is tilted completely down). Turn the wheel to 90° and insert a smallish screwdriver into the slots (one at a time) that will now be at the bottom and top/back of the steering wheel behind the airbag. There is a tab in the slot that needs to be moved. Insert the tool as far in as it will go and lightly pry (up for the top, down for the bottom) until the airbag releases. Disconnect the airbag wire from the column and set it aside. You can now remove the horn switch and check it for poor contact or damage. If it appears in good condition, clean the contact and replace it with a little dielectric grease. you can test the horn by grounding the horn contact wire. If it sounds, the problem is the contact, which isn't all that uncommon. Cleaning usually takes care of it for a long while. Reassembly is reversed. Be sure to connect the airbag wire at the airbag. The airbag will snap back in place if you line it up and push (horn should sound, too). Don't forget to connect the yellow connector above the brake pedal, last.
    1985 Blazer 6.2
    2001 GMC 2500HD D/A
    dmaxmaverick@thedieselpage.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Location
    Canada
    Posts
    63

    Default

    Unplug the horns. Connect a test light in place of the horn. If the test light lights up when you press on the horn switch, you need a new horn. If not follow above recommendations.

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