824 Horn Relay doesn't work

[Ed S.]

I have a generic 12V horn relay on my 64 Corvette. No brand marking on it but it has a p/n which is 6017 and "Made in USA" stamped on the case. My horns are original. The horns work fine with the generic relay. I purchased a "correct" NOS 824 horn relay from a reliable private vendor.

I removed the generic relay and installed the NOS 824. Horns did not work - all I get is a short - faint buzz from one horn. Horns worked fine with the incorrect generic relay before installing the NOS unit. I reinstalled the generic relay - horns work great - reinstalled the 824 - same problem, just a short buzz. I have checked and rechecked the wiring - and ground with the NOS unit. All correct and in good condition. Nothing else has changed except the relay.

These relays aren't complicated. The NOS 824 does not show any signs of use or abuse. Can I safely assume that the NOS unit is defective? Is this typical?

[Dan H.]

Re: 824 Horn Relay doesn't work

Be careful Ed, my 824 original relay shorted out and melted the red wire going to it, caught it in time. Put a Delco generic on and it works perfect, be wary of that 824.
Dan

[Larry M.]

Re: 824 Horn Relay doesn't work

Remove the cap and check it out. Points/contacts are likely pitted or gummed up. They can be cleaned and repaired with a little effort.

Larry

[Ed S.]

Re: 824 Horn Relay doesn't work

Be careful Ed, my 824 original relay shorted out and melted the red wire going to it, caught it in time. Put a Delco generic on and it works perfect, be wary of that 824.
Dan

Thanks for the warning - When I am not right there the batt is turned off. But you raise a good point - I have already confirmed that it doesn't work - no sense in trying it any further - could only get worse.

T

[Ed S.]

Re: 824 Horn Relay doesn't work

Good suggestion - before I do that I need to check with the vendor that I bought it from. Ball is in his court at the moment. If he says "try it" I will follow Larry's recommendation.

Thanks!