Technical Horn stopped working!

[Ex Greeny]

Ducato 2.8 JTD. 2001. Benimar Motorhome
The horn has stopped working.
The wires to the original horn have been cut, and the present horn is part of the Motor Home alarm system, which appears to have developed a fault, preventing the horn from working. I would prefer the horn to be operated independantly rather than via the alarm system, so I would like to know if the original horn would have been operated via a relay, or directly from the horn button on the steering wheel. Can anyone offer any advice please?

 

[Communicator]

Unfortunately your vehicle will be an x230, for which I do not have diagrams. The later x244 does use a horn relay, also I think that my earlier Talbot Express used a horn relay.

On the x230 the relays seem to be located under the lower left dashboard panel.
See this current thread for a usefull photo.

 

[BEEGGG]

Hi I gave a 1999 fiat ducato 2.8 and I am trying to find my horn as ir is not working

 

[Communicator]

Hi I gave a 1999 fiat ducato 2.8 and I am trying to find my horn as ir is not working

Your 1999 Ducato will be an x230 model, as indicated by the first three numbers of the VIN. On my x244 which is derived from the x230, the horn is located roughly behind the LHS headlight, so difficult to access. I have no first hand experience of the x230. I had access on my x244 after removing the front bumper moulding for another job, however I suggest starting with the LHS headlamp assembly, as this should be simpler, if you take care not to move the beam adjusting screws.

 

[BEEGGG]

Your 1999 Ducato will be an x230 model, as indicated by the first three numbers of the VIN. On my x244 which is derived from the x230, the horn is located roughly behind the LHS headlight, so difficult to access. I have no first hand experience of the x230. I had access on my x244 after removing the front bumper moulding for another job, however I suggest starting with the LHS headlamp assembly, as this should be simpler, if you take care not to move the beam adjusting screws.

Has it got a relay and where will I find it ?

 

[BEEGGG]

Has it got a relay and where will I find it ?

 

[Communicator]

Has it got a relay and where will I find it ?

Most horn circuits utilise relays to switch the higher currents involved. The x230 has relays behind the LHS lower dash panel, however do not rush to blame the relay. Most likely cause will be the horn itself. Something as simple as a light tap with a hammer may be sufficient to get it working again.

 

[RobL]

When I had problems with the horn on my x230 it was a steering wheel switch that was at fault. Its a copper ring with contacts to compensate the steering wheel turning. Just needed a clean with contact cleaner.

 

[cid]

Hi Ex Greeny, Before charging into the electrics of the horn, try finding it. If yours is similar to my 1996 1.9td x230 you will find the horn by removing the front panel holding the Fiat logo. 4 posi screws. Be careful as the ends of the panel are held in by clips. The horn is located under the nearside headlamp. First bathe with WD40 whilst someone presses the horn. Slight tap with hammer may be required. If unsuccessful test for current at horn when pressed. Unsuccessful, prepare to play with electrics. Best of Luck, Ian

 

[RobL]

You will find the horn below the nearside headlamp. Best to use ramps for easy access. I found it to awkward to get to so fitted two new horns near the power steering bottle at the front of the engine bay. I'm not aware of any relays in the circuit. The horn push is a ground switch with the horn permanently energised. The first fault I had was poor contact on the steering wheel contacts the second fault was the horn itself so fitted the twin horns. Getting to the horn switch requires removal of the steering wheel, worth noting that the horn sometimes works depending on the position of the steering wheel.