Horn Relay

Replace the horn relay located in the underhood fuse/relay box to restore horn operation on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Horn relay × 1 — Use OEM specification (Kia part number recommended)

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
3. Allow engine to cool if recently operated (for comfort and safety)
4. Locate the underhood fuse/relay box on the driver's side of the engine compartment

Procedure

1. 1

   Open underhood fuse/relay box
   Release the tabs on both sides of the underhood fuse/relay box cover and lift it off. The cover contains a fuse/relay diagram on its underside showing component locations.
2. 2

   Identify horn relay location
   Consult the diagram on the underside of the fuse box cover to locate the horn relay. On the 2015 Forte 1.8L, the horn relay is typically located in the upper portion of the relay box. It is usually a small rectangular relay with 4 or 5 pins.
3. 3

   Remove old horn relay
   Grasp the horn relay firmly and pull straight up to remove it from its socket. If the relay is difficult to remove, use needle-nose pliers to grip the relay body (not the terminals) and pull upward with steady pressure. Rock gently side-to-side if needed, but do not bend terminals.
4. 4

   Inspect relay socket
   Examine the relay socket terminals for corrosion, damage, or debris. Clean any corrosion with a clean cloth. Check for bent or damaged terminals. If terminals are damaged, the entire fuse box may require replacement.
5. 5

   Install new horn relay
   Align the new relay pins with the socket terminals, ensuring correct orientation. The relay will only fit one way due to different pin spacing or alignment tabs. Press the relay firmly into the socket until it is fully seated and flush with adjacent relays.
6. 6

   Reinstall fuse box cover
   Position the fuse/relay box cover over the fuse box and press down firmly on both sides until the tabs click into place securely. Ensure the cover is properly seated to prevent moisture intrusion.

Reassembly

1. Ensure fuse box cover is fully latched on both sides
2. No other disassembly was required for this procedure

Verification

• Turn the ignition to ON position (engine does not need to run)
• Press the horn button on the steering wheel and verify the horn sounds properly
• Test horn multiple times with short presses to ensure consistent operation
• If horn still does not work, verify fuse condition, horn button operation, and horn itself before diagnosing further electrical issues

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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