Sound signal: operation, use and repair

Also called a horn, a horn works by using a membrane that vibrates the air to produce sound. The use of the sound signal is governed by traffic regulations. It is prohibited to use it in populated areas, except in cases of immediate danger. Otherwise, you risk getting a fine.

🚘 How does the horn work?

originally horn was a trademark: we talked aboutbuzzer... Then the name was lexicalized, and the word horn, thus, passed into everyday language. An audible warning system is compulsory for all vehicles.

On early cars, the horn was mechanical. It was manually activated with a handle. Today it is a system electronic... The driver activates an audible signal on the steering wheel, usually by pressing in the center of the latter.

Usually, cars have a horn located behind the radiator grille. When the driver uses the horn, the electronic system moves diaphragm which then makes the air vibrate. This is what produces the sound of the horn.

The horn can also be electromagnetic... In this case, it works thanks to an electromagnet, the breaker of which vibrates the membrane, which produces the sound of a horn.

🔍 When to use the horn?

The sound signal is a mandatory equipment on all vehicles, including cars. However, its use is governed by traffic regulations.

• In urban areas : Use of the horn is prohibited except in cases of imminent danger.
• Country : The horn can be used to warn other road users of the presence of the vehicle, especially in dangerous situations (for example, when cornering with poor visibility).

At night, it is better to use lighting equipment such as an alarm beacon rather than an audible signal. And in the city, the horn should not be used in protest against other users.

In fact, the road code even provides for fines if:

1. Incorrect use of the horn : a fixed fine of 35 euros;
2. Horn mismatch to be approved: a fixed fine of 68 €.

🚗 How to check the horn?

The horn is essential for your safety on the road. If your horn no longer works correctly, you will no longer be able to signal danger and increase the risk of an accident! In this guide, we explain how to check the car horn.

Material:

• horn
• Tools

Step 1. Make sure your horn is fully charged.

No matter how hard you press, nothing happens? Unfortunately, it is impossible to know exactly where the problem came from without a thorough inspection by a mechanic. But here are the most common horn breakdowns:

• Your battery completely discharged: the horn is powered by the battery. If it is not loaded, no dial tone is possible! First, try charging the battery with a booster or alligator clips. If that's not enough, you have no choice but to replace the battery. If your battery is defective, it can also affect other parts of your vehicle, such as the alternator, starter, headlights, air conditioning, car radio, etc.
• Exist problem order : The control between the steering wheel and the horn may be impaired or damaged. In this case, it must be reinstalled or replaced by removing the flywheel.
• Exist electrical problem : The cable that carries current between the battery and the buzzer may be damaged. You must replace it as soon as possible, because this could cause a short circuit affecting other parts of your vehicle. A fuse can also be the cause of failure.

Good to know : follow the technical control! If your horn does not work, it is considered a serious maintenance malfunction. You will fail and have to return for a second visit.

Step 2: test the strength of your horn

Is your horn still working, but very weak? Will you have to go over it a few times to be heard?

This is most likely a problem with a discharged battery. It can no longer properly activate the horn, one of the most power-hungry devices in your car. This glitch is often accompanied by other symptoms such as blackout of headlights.

Step 3. Check the horn sound

You may have noticed that not all cars emit the same sound. This is fine, as your model has not one but two horns that play different notes to create the sound you hear. Some cars even use three horns.

If the sound seems abnormal to you, one of the alarms may no longer work. We'll have to replace it. Think from 20 to 40 € per item plus an hour of labor.

👨‍🔧 How to fix the horn?

If the buzzer is not battery-related, the problem is probably with the electronics. In this case, check the connections and circuit breakers... If this is the reason, they can be replaced by contacting fuse box your car.

For safety, disconnect the battery, then locate the horn fuse. Feel free to contact Automotive Technical Review (RTA) your car for this. Remove the fuse with pliers and replace it with a new one.

The sound signal is an important element of your safety. Its malfunction is usually associated with a malfunction of the electrical equipment, sometimes due to the failure of the battery. Often the horn is located in the same place asair bag driver and we strongly recommend that you call a professional car service to repair it.