Horn doesn't work

[Ondes]

When we first got the caravan it worked no problem, but now it won't at all. Doesn't make a noise when we press the buttons. It's connected fine and all fuses that you can visually check are ok. So what next? I've heard it could be the clockspring, or relay, or "under-the-hood" fuse... Please explain any testing that needs be done, as I haven't done much work on electrical. Hopefully we can get it fixed soon. Any input is appreciated.

The vehicle in question is a 1990 Dodge Caravan. (Year 1990 as listed on it's tag, but registered as 1991 as date of mfr was 12/90 - Thought I'd add that in case there is a discrepancy between parts).

[KManiac]

First of all, with a manufacturer's date of 12/90, your van in a 1991 model year. They start manufacturing next year's models in September of the previous year.

As for the horns, you need to check first whether or not your horns are bad. Disconnect the wires from the horns and check for voltage at the connectors when you push your horn button. Also, remove the horns and see if they work when you supply 12 volts to the connectors.

Having both horns (they come in pairs) fail at once would most likely indicate a problem in the wiring somewhere else. But stranger things have happened, so rule out simultaneous horn failure before going any farther.

I just had the low note horn stop working on my T&C. By having one good horn and swapping the connections between the horns, I was able to verify the bad horn. I bought a replacement horn kit from the dealer that plugged right in.

Good luck on this repair and let us know what you find and what you do next.

[Ondes]

Any idea where the second horn is located? Under the hood we only saw the one on the left side of the engine compartment, with one connector plugged into the horn and another from the same wire not plugged into anything. As well, what kind of tester do I need to check if power is being supplied through the wires? (I need info on this as I haven't done much of this work yet).

[Ondes]

Just trying to refresh this thread to hopefully get more results. Besides my second reply, I mentioned we heard about the clockspring and relays. Any more info on these particular things. Is there a "fuse panel" underneath the hood as well?

[fafmlg24]

in my experience it was the horn pad inside the steering wheel that went bad. it might be the horn relay. the relay box/ fuse box (under the hood) should be labeled as to which relay belongs to the horn. once you pull it out you will have to give 12v to the coil of the relay and see if it makes a clicking noise.

if you know where the horn is, you can pull the connector out and put 12v straight to the horn and see if it works. i would recomend getting a benchtop power supply and testing these things.

hope that helps some.

[jsinton]

Clockspring is only in the case of an airbag. There was a recall for 1996 to 2000 models, I think.

It's more likely your horn is bad. Did you check the horn by applying current directly? Connect wires to the leads on the horn and test it directly to your battery.

You need to get a universal electrical tester to test the voltage, available at any hardware store or auto store. In a pinch, you can get any 12v light bulb and solder two wires to it.