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relay for a triggered horn

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Relays
Forum Discription: Relay Diagrams, SPDT Relays, SPST Relays, DPDT Relays, Latching Relays, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=124869
Printed Date: May 03, 2025 at 12:28 AM


Topic: relay for a triggered horn

Posted By: laserbeak43
Subject: relay for a triggered horn
Date Posted: December 07, 2010 at 7:41 AM

Hello,
I have a horn with a negative trigger wire and an alarm with a negative horn output. I'm trying to wire up a 775 to them both but i'm not sure what wires go to what pins. could someone please help?

Thanks



Replies:

Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: December 07, 2010 at 1:59 PM
The alarm's horn output will need a rely, it's neg output won't be enough to ground the horn (about 7.5amps) to make it work unless you're referring to a factory horn and the input is before a horn relay.
What's a 775? Also what vehicle?

-------------
Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.




Posted By: laserbeak43
Date Posted: December 07, 2010 at 3:01 PM
Thanks for your reply:
howie ll wrote:

The alarm's horn output will need a rely, it's neg output won't be enough to ground the horn (about 7.5amps) to make it work unless you're referring to a factory horn and the input is before a horn relay.
What's a 775? Also what vehicle?
I am using the factory horn and I'm getting the horn output from a GREEN/ YELLOW wire on the steering column. a 775 is a universal relay, If I'm not mistaken. My car model is 2006 pontiac vibe.
https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp~TID~33385
Thanks




Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: December 07, 2010 at 4:22 PM
Try a direct feed from the alarm's neg if not, as follows:
alarm output to 85,
12v+ constant fused 2-3amps to 86,
good ground to 87,
30 to horn input.
Diode, 1N4004 across 85 and 86, diode band to 86.
Method "B" cut the horn wire, using a DMM set to at least 1+ amps range,
Black probe to steering wheel, red to horn, sound the horn. If the draw is 120ma or less, the direct - output from the alarm is sufficient although the relay is safer.
By the way in practical terms, there ain't no such thing as a universal relay.

-------------
Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.




Posted By: laserbeak43
Date Posted: December 07, 2010 at 5:22 PM
howie ll wrote:

Try a direct feed from the alarm's neg

Interesting, my manual shows a diagram with a relay between the alarm brain and the horn. u think if i just connected it directly that it might damage the brain?
howie ll wrote:

if not, as follows:
alarm output to 85,
12v+ constant fused 2-3amps to 86,
good ground to 87,
30 to horn input.
Diode, 1N4004 across 85 and 86, diode band to 86.
Method "B" cut the horn wire, using a DMM set to at least 1+ amps range,
Black probe to steering wheel, red to horn, sound the horn. If the draw is 120ma or less, the direct - output from the alarm is sufficient although the relay is safer.
By the way in practical terms, there ain't no such thing as a universal relay.

I'll have to build that. i don't think i could get a probe to the horn wire while connected to the button, I don't have enough wire left over. Probably would just be easier t go with the relay, but thanks for the suggestion. Oh, and I pretty much expected a correction when it came to the "universal" relay thing :)
Thanks,
I'll try this when the sun comes up.




Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: December 07, 2010 at 5:33 PM
Forget the 755, it's a latching relay probably hasn't got enough power handling any way. Use a Bosch/Tyco/Panasonic etc.etc. 4 or 5 pin automotive relay as suggested above. It makes no difference if you use a 4 or 5 pin relay, with a 5 pin, you simply don't use pin 87a.
Also far cheaper than a 755.

-------------
Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.




Posted By: laserbeak43
Date Posted: December 08, 2010 at 4:27 PM
reading your reply, i just realized i didn't ask something, Isn't possible to simply tap the horn wire and use it to trigger the horn?
i didn't realize that i'd have to use the relay to actually come between the horn and the horn button.




Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: December 08, 2010 at 5:06 PM
Exactly what I said but unless you definitely know that either the horn wire triggers a relay "downline" or its current draw, you're safer with a relay, this will stop the alarm R/S from having its internal circuitry cooked.

-------------
Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.




Posted By: laserbeak43
Date Posted: December 08, 2010 at 8:39 PM
just looked at a manual that says it does have a relay, I wish it showed the actual wiring. Oh well. I'll try again when the sun comes back out. thanks again!




Posted By: laserbeak43
Date Posted: December 09, 2010 at 1:41 PM
THanks Howie :) didn't need a relay, there were two GREEN/ YELLOW wires. I just wish the wiring diagrams could be more specific :P




Posted By: howie ll
Date Posted: December 09, 2010 at 2:00 PM
Well if you're not sure which one, TEST.

-------------
Amateurs assume, don't test and have problems; pros test first. I am not a free install service.
Read the installation manual, do a search here or online for your vehicle wiring before posting.





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