1. The Horn Fuse: This is the most common and easiest thing to check first. Consult your owner's manual to locate the horn fuse in the fuse box (usually under the hood or in the dashboard). Check if it's blown (look for a broken filament). If blown, replace it with a fuse of the same amperage.
2. The Horn Relay: The horn relay acts as a switch for the horn circuit. It's often located in the same fuse box as the fuses. It might be visually damaged or simply failed. Try swapping it with a relay of the same type from another circuit (if you're comfortable doing so) to see if the problem moves.
3. The Horn Button (Steering Wheel): The horn button itself could be faulty. It might be worn out, internally disconnected, or have a problem with the contact points. This requires more specialized tools to test.
4. The Horn Wiring: There could be a break in the wiring between the steering wheel, the relay, and the horn itself. This might be due to wear, corrosion, or damage. You'll need to trace the wiring to check for continuity (whether the circuit is complete).
5. The Horn Itself: The horn itself could be faulty. It might be corroded, have a bad connection, or simply have failed internally. You would need to test the horn directly with power to confirm this.
6. The Clock Spring (Spiral Cable): In vehicles with airbags, the clock spring is a rotating electrical connector that allows the steering wheel to turn without twisting the wires connected to it. A faulty clock spring can interrupt the horn circuit. This is more involved to test and usually requires specialized tools.
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Start with the fuse. It's the easiest and quickest check.
2. Then check the relay.
3. Inspect the horn button. Try pressing it firmly and in different spots.
4. Visually inspect the wiring. Look for any obvious damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
5. Test the horn directly (if possible). This is best left to someone experienced with automotive electrical systems as it involves working with power directly.
If you're not comfortable with electrical work, it's best to take your Cavalier to a mechanic for diagnosis and repair. They have the tools and expertise to quickly pinpoint the problem.
