electrical
Horn Relay
for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
12 min
Tools
3
Steps
8
Replace the horn relay in the engine compartment fuse/relay box to restore horn functionality.
Warnings
⚠Disconnect battery negative terminal before working with electrical components to prevent short circuits
ℹ️The horn relay is located in the engine compartment fuse/relay box, not the interior fuse panel
Tools required
Flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool
Relay puller or needle-nose pliers
Multimeter (for testing)
Parts
- Horn relay × 1 — Hyundai OEM relay or equivalent 20A automotive relay
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and turn off ignition
- Allow engine to cool if recently operated
- Locate the engine compartment fuse/relay box on the driver's side near the battery
- Have replacement relay ready and verify it matches the original
Procedure
- 1Disconnect battery negative terminalUsing a 10mm wrench or socket, loosen the battery negative terminal bolt and remove the cable from the battery post. Secure the cable away from the battery to prevent accidental contact.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 2Access the fuse/relay boxOpen the hood and locate the engine compartment fuse/relay box on the driver's side near the battery. Release the retaining clips on both sides of the cover by pressing or lifting them, then remove the cover.
- 3Identify the horn relay locationConsult the relay diagram printed on the underside of the fuse box cover or in the owner's manual. The horn relay is typically labeled as 'HORN' and is usually a small plug-in relay in the relay section of the box. Note its position and orientation.
- 4Remove the old horn relayGrasp the horn relay firmly and pull straight up to remove it from its socket. If the relay is difficult to remove, use a relay puller tool or carefully use needle-nose pliers to grip the relay body (not the terminals) and pull straight up with steady pressure.
- 5Inspect relay socket and terminalsExamine the relay socket for corrosion, debris, or damaged terminals. Clean any corrosion with electrical contact cleaner if present. Check that all socket terminals are intact and properly seated. Compare the old relay to the new relay to confirm they match in pin configuration and rating.
- 6Install new horn relayAlign the new horn relay with the socket, ensuring the orientation matches the diagram on the fuse box cover. Push the relay straight down into the socket until it is fully seated and clicks into place. The relay should sit flush with adjacent relays.
- 7Reinstall fuse box coverPosition the fuse/relay box cover back onto the box, ensuring any rubber seals are properly seated. Press down on the cover until the retaining clips snap into place on both sides. Verify the cover is secure and properly sealed.
- 8Reconnect battery negative terminalPlace the negative battery cable back onto the battery negative post. Hand-tighten the terminal bolt, then torque to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the connection is secure but do not exceed the torque specification.Torque specBattery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
Reassembly
- Ensure fuse box cover is fully latched and seated properly to maintain weather seal
- Verify battery terminal is tight and properly torqued to prevent electrical issues
Verification
- Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine
- Press the horn button on the steering wheel - horn should sound immediately and continuously while button is pressed
- Test horn multiple times to verify consistent operation
- If horn still does not work, verify fuse is intact, check horn button operation, and test horn ground connections
- Check that no warning lights appear on instrument cluster related to electrical systems