Horn Relay

Replace the horn relay in a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo, located in the engine compartment fuse/relay box.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Horn relay (12V automotive relay, typically 30A) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Dielectric grease × 1 — Small packet

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key/fob from vehicle
3. Allow engine to cool if recently driven (minimum 15 minutes)
4. Locate fuse/relay box in engine compartment (driver's side near firewall)
5. Have replacement relay ready and verify it matches existing relay configuration

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Open the hood and locate the battery in the engine compartment. Using a 10mm socket, loosen the negative (black) battery terminal bolt. Remove the negative cable from the battery terminal and secure it away from the battery post to prevent accidental contact. Wait at least 2 minutes for electrical system capacitors to discharge.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access fuse/relay box
   Locate the primary fuse/relay box on the driver's side of the engine compartment near the firewall. The box has multiple securing clips or tabs. Carefully release the cover clips by pressing or lifting the tabs as designed. Remove the fuse/relay box cover and set aside. Inspect the underside of the cover for the relay diagram to identify the horn relay position.
3. 3

   Identify horn relay
   Using the fuse/relay diagram on the cover or in the owner's manual, identify the horn relay location within the fuse box. The horn relay is typically a mini or standard automotive relay marked with a horn symbol or labeled 'HORN'. Note the relay orientation before removal (look for the terminal number markings: 85, 86, 87, 30).
4. 4

   Remove old horn relay
   Grasp the horn relay firmly and pull straight upward with steady pressure to remove it from the socket. If the relay is tight, gently rock it side-to-side while pulling upward. Do not use excessive force or twist the relay, as this can damage the socket pins. Inspect the relay socket for any corrosion, debris, or damaged pins.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean relay socket
   Examine the relay socket for corrosion, burning, or bent pins. If corrosion is present, spray electrical contact cleaner into the socket and allow to dry completely (approximately 5 minutes). If pins are slightly bent, carefully straighten them using needle-nose pliers. Check that all socket terminals are secure and make good contact. If socket is damaged beyond cleaning, the entire fuse box may need replacement.
   ⚠Ensure contact cleaner is completely evaporated before installing new relay to prevent electrical issues.
6. 6

   Install new horn relay
   Verify the new horn relay matches the terminal configuration of the original (check pin numbers and relay ratings). Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the relay pins to prevent corrosion. Align the relay with the socket, ensuring correct orientation based on the pin numbers or alignment tab. Push the relay firmly into the socket until it is fully seated and flush with surrounding relays. The relay should click into place.
7. 7

   Reinstall fuse/relay box cover
   Position the fuse/relay box cover over the box, ensuring proper alignment. Press down firmly on all sides until all clips or tabs engage and the cover is fully seated. Verify the cover is secure and properly sealed to prevent water and debris intrusion.
8. 8

   Reconnect battery negative terminal
   Clean the battery terminal post and cable end with a wire brush if any corrosion is present. Position the negative cable over the negative battery post. Thread the terminal bolt by hand to ensure proper alignment, then tighten using a 10mm socket and torque wrench to specification. Ensure the connection is secure but do not overtighten.
   ⚠Battery terminal bolts are low-torque fasteners; overtightening can crack the terminal or damage the battery post.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all fuse box clips are fully engaged and cover is properly sealed
2. Verify battery terminal connection is tight and cable cannot rotate on post
3. Close hood and ensure it latches properly

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position without starting engine and verify no warning lights related to electrical system faults
• Test horn operation by pressing the horn button on steering wheel - horn should sound immediately and clearly
• If horn does not work, verify relay is fully seated and check horn fuse condition
• Test horn with engine running to confirm operation under load
• If horn still inoperative after relay replacement, check horn wiring, horn button circuit, and horn units themselves for faults
• Verify no unusual electrical behavior or warning lights after repair

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