A horn relay is an electrical component found in many vehicles that is responsible for controlling the operation of the horn. It serves as a switch that uses a low-current signal to control a higher-current circuit, allowing the horn to draw power directly from the vehicle's battery while still being activated by a relatively low-power signal from the horn button on the steering wheel.
Here's how a horn relay typically functions:
•Low-Current Activation: When you press the horn button on the steering wheel, a low-voltage signal is sent through the vehicle's wiring harness to the horn relay. This signal typically comes from the vehicle's horn switch or horn pad.
•Relay Activation: Upon receiving the signal, the horn relay's coil (electromagnetic winding) becomes energized. This energizes the relay's internal switch mechanism, which closes the high-current circuit.
•High-Current Circuit Closure: With the relay activated, the high-current circuit is completed, allowing electrical current to flow from the vehicle's battery to the horn itself. This current flow causes the horn to sound.
•Deactivation: When you release the horn button, the low-voltage signal to the relay coil is interrupted, causing the relay to deactivate. As a result, the relay's internal switch opens, interrupting the high-current circuit and stopping the flow of current to the horn.