Principles of Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: The Smart Junction Box (SJB) is also known as the Generic Electronic Module (GEM).

The SJB supplies the control and switched voltage to the horn relay (part of the SJB). When the driver air bag is pressed, ground is supplied through the steering wheel to the horn relay. The horn relay is then energized, directing voltage to the horn and enabling the horn to sound.

The horn switch is comprised of 2 sets of contacts separated by springs. The lower set is connected to ground and the upper set is connected to the horn signal circuit. When the driver air bag module is pressed, it pushes down on the upper set of contacts, collapsing the springs and allowing the contacts to touch. When the contacts touch, it completes the circuit.

The SJB provides ground to the horn relay control side to sound the horn when the vehicle security system is armed, an intrusion is detected, or the panic alarm is activated.