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Citroen 2Cv Horn Relays

Citroen 2Cv Horn relays

Horn relays for the Citroen 2Cv start at low prices, and AutoBuffy carries multiple options from top OE-quality brands. The horn relay is a small electromagnetic switch that routes battery-level current to your horn when you press the button, protecting the steering wheel circuitry from high amperage. When it fails, your horn stops working entirely — a genuine safety hazard and a common roadside inspection failure.

Signs your Citroen 2Cv needs a new horn relay

  • Horn produces no sound at all when the button is pressed, even though the fuse is intact
  • Horn works intermittently — sounds sometimes but not others with no pattern
  • Horn stays on continuously or blares on its own without the button being pressed
  • Clicking or chattering noise from the fuse box or relay block when you press the horn button
  • Horn button feels normal and has no play, ruling out the clock spring as the cause
  • Other accessories on the same relay circuit (some models share a relay block) behave erratically at the same time

Which horn relay should you buy for your Citroen 2Cv?

Horn relays are rated by contact current capacity and coil voltage — most Citroen 2Cv applications use a standard 12V, 20–30A mini relay, but confirming the relay pin configuration (4-pin vs. 5-pin) and footprint is critical before ordering. The main decision comes down to whether you want an OE-equivalent direct fit or a universal relay paired with a mounting adapter.

OE-Equivalent Direct Fit
Best for
Quickest, no-hassle swap on stock horn systems
What you get
Exact pin layout, same current rating, and plug-and-play fit in the original relay socket
Heavy-Duty Upgraded Relay (40A)
Best for
Owners running aftermarket or dual-horn kits drawing higher current
What you get
Higher contact rating reduces heat buildup and extends service life under increased load
Universal 4-Pin Mini Relay
Best for
Budget repairs or when the OE part number is discontinued
What you get
Generic 12V relay that fits most sockets; may require a wiring diagram to confirm pin assignments
Relay + Fuse Harness Kit
Best for
DIY installs of aftermarket horns or when the original socket is corroded or melted
What you get
Pre-wired harness with inline fuse isolates the horn circuit cleanly and bypasses a damaged factory socket

Replacing the horn relay on a Citroen 2Cv

Easy⏱ 15–30 minutesFuse and relay puller tool (or flat-blade screwdriver)MultimeterNeedle-nose pliersOwner's manual or fuse box diagram

Open the underhood fuse box, locate the horn relay using the lid diagram, and pull it straight out with a relay puller or the hooked end of a flat screwdriver — no fasteners are involved. Press the new relay firmly into the same socket until it seats, then test the horn before closing the lid. The whole job takes under half an hour and requires no disassembly of any other components.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace horn relays on a Citroen 2Cv?
Parts start at low prices for a horn relay for the Citroen 2Cv. The relay itself is inexpensive, and because it swaps out of the fuse box in minutes, most owners do this job themselves. If a shop handles it, expect a small diagnostic fee plus one hour of labor on top of the part cost.
How do I know if it's the horn relay or the horn itself that's bad on my Citroen 2Cv?
Swap the horn relay with an identical relay from another slot in your fuse box as a quick test — most fuse boxes contain several relays with the same part number. If the horn works after the swap, the original relay was faulty. If it still doesn't work, test voltage at the horn connector directly to isolate a bad horn, blown fuse, or broken clock spring.
Where is the horn relay located on a Citroen 2Cv?
On most Citroen 2Cv applications the horn relay sits inside the underhood fuse and relay box, often labeled on the inside of the cover. Some 2Cv configurations place a secondary relay block inside the cabin near the driver's kick panel. Check your owner's manual fuse diagram or the label printed on the fuse box lid to find the exact slot.
Can a bad horn relay drain the battery on a Citroen 2Cv?
Yes, if the relay contacts weld themselves closed — a failure mode called contact sticking — the horn circuit stays energized even with the key off, drawing current continuously. This is also what causes a horn to honk on its own. A relay in this state will drain a battery overnight and should be removed immediately until replaced.
Is it safe to drive a Citroen 2Cv with a non-working horn?
Technically the vehicle will drive normally, but a non-functioning horn is illegal in most jurisdictions and will fail a vehicle safety inspection. More practically, you lose an important tool for avoiding collisions in parking lots and highway merges. Replacing the relay is a quick, low-cost fix, so there's little reason to delay it.
How long does a horn relay last on a Citroen 2Cv?
Horn relays on the Citroen 2Cv typically last the life of the vehicle under normal use because they cycle infrequently compared to relays for cooling fans or fuel pumps. Premature failure is usually caused by corrosion in the relay socket, an aftermarket horn drawing more current than the relay is rated for, or a wiring fault that causes repeated high-current surges through the contacts.

More parts for your Citroen 2Cv

Vehicle BatteryIgnition Coil

Horn relays for other Citroen models

Citroen 11Citroen 15