Replace or diagnose the horn relay on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette, typically located in the fuse panel or near the steering column, to restore horn function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Horn relay × 1 — Use OEM specification or Delco 1116803

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable
3. Locate fuse panel under dashboard on driver's side or identify horn relay mounting location near steering column

Procedure

1. 1

   Access fuse panel and locate horn relay
   Remove the fuse panel cover or access panel under the dashboard on the driver's side. The horn relay is typically a small rectangular unit mounted either in the fuse panel or on a bracket near the steering column. On 1966 Corvettes, it may be secured to the firewall or kick panel. Identify the relay by tracing the horn circuit wiring or consulting the factory wiring diagram.
2. 2

   Test existing relay for functionality
   Before removing the relay, reconnect the battery negative terminal temporarily. Have an assistant press the horn button while you listen and feel for relay actuation (you should hear a click). If no click is heard, the relay may be faulty or there may be an issue with the horn button circuit. Disconnect battery negative terminal again before proceeding.
3. 3

   Document wire connections
   Note or photograph the wire terminal positions on the horn relay. The relay typically has 3 terminals: battery feed (B), horn button input (S), and horn output to the horns (H). The relay coil grounds through the horn button contact in the steering column rather than via a dedicated ground terminal. The horn button input wire is usually connected to the steering column horn contact, while the output goes to the horns themselves.
4. 4

   Disconnect relay wiring
   Remove the wire terminals from the horn relay. These are typically push-on spade terminals that can be pulled off by hand or with needle nose pliers. Gently wiggle each terminal while pulling straight off to avoid damaging the wire or connector.
5. 5

   Remove relay mounting hardware
   Remove the mounting screw or bracket that secures the horn relay to its mounting location. This is typically a single Phillips or flathead screw. Remove the old relay from the vehicle.
6. 6

   Inspect wiring and connectors
   Examine all wire terminals and connectors for corrosion, damage, or looseness. Clean any corroded terminals with electrical contact cleaner or fine sandpaper. Check wire insulation for cracks or damage. Verify the horn button trigger circuit grounds properly through the steering column horn contact, as this relay's coil grounds through the horn button rather than a dedicated ground terminal.
7. 7

   Install new horn relay
   Position the new horn relay in the mounting location and secure it with the mounting screw. Ensure the relay is oriented correctly so that terminal positions match your documentation from step 3.
8. 8

   Reconnect wiring to new relay
   Reconnect all wire terminals to the correct positions on the new relay according to your documentation. Push each terminal firmly onto its post until it seats completely. Gently tug each wire to verify secure connection.
9. 9

   Test horn operation
   Reconnect the battery negative terminal. Test the horn by pressing the horn button on the steering wheel. The horn should sound immediately and continuously while the button is depressed. If the horn does not sound, recheck all connections and verify the horn button ground circuit through the steering column is functioning.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall fuse panel cover or access panel
2. Verify all electrical connections are secure and no wires are pinched
3. Ensure relay mounting is secure and relay is not subject to excessive vibration

Verification

• Horn sounds immediately when horn button is pressed
• Horn stops sounding immediately when button is released
• No clicking, buzzing, or intermittent operation
• Relay produces audible click when button is pressed (indicating proper actuation)

More procedures for this vehicle