Horn Relay

Replace the horn relay in a 2008 Dodge Viper by accessing the Power Distribution Center (PDC) in the engine compartment and swapping the faulty relay.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Horn relay × 1 — Mopar 04692141AB or equivalent micro relay

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated
4. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes for system capacitors to discharge

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate the Power Distribution Center
   Open the hood and locate the Power Distribution Center (PDC), the black plastic fuse/relay box with a removable cover, in the engine compartment. Confirm its exact position for this vehicle before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove PDC cover
   Release the cover latches on the PDC by pressing the tabs or lifting the retaining clips (depending on box design). Lift the cover straight up to remove it. The underside of the cover typically has a relay and fuse diagram.
3. 3

   Identify the horn relay
   Locate the horn relay using the diagram on the underside of the PDC cover. The horn relay is typically a small micro relay (approximately 1 inch square) in a specific cavity labeled for horn operation. Verify the relay location matches the diagram before removal.
4. 4

   Remove the faulty horn relay
   Grasp the horn relay firmly between thumb and forefinger and pull straight up with steady pressure to remove it from its socket. If the relay is difficult to grip, use needle-nose pliers with gentle pressure on the relay body (not the terminals). Inspect the relay terminals and socket for corrosion, melting, or damage.
5. 5

   Inspect relay socket
   Examine the relay socket in the PDC for bent pins, corrosion, or burn marks. If corrosion is present, clean the socket terminals with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry. If pins are bent or socket shows heat damage, the entire PDC may require replacement.
6. 6

   Install new horn relay
   Align the new horn relay with the socket, ensuring the relay pin configuration matches the socket. The relay will only fit one way. Press the relay firmly into the socket until it seats completely and is flush with surrounding relays. Verify it is fully seated by attempting to gently pull it back out—it should resist removal.
7. 7

   Reinstall PDC cover
   Position the PDC cover over the box and press down until all latches or tabs engage with an audible click. Ensure the cover is fully seated around the entire perimeter to maintain weather sealing.
8. 8

   Reconnect battery
   Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the terminal clamp securely. Ensure good contact between cable and terminal post.

Reassembly

1. Ensure PDC cover is fully latched to prevent moisture intrusion
2. Verify battery terminal connection is tight and corrosion-free

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (engine off) and press the horn button on the steering wheel—horn should sound immediately
• Test horn with engine running to verify operation under load
• Check for proper horn tone and volume—both horns (high and low tone) should sound simultaneously if vehicle is equipped with dual horns
• Verify no warning lights appear on instrument cluster after battery reconnection

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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