1. Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the Vixen Horns VXK9501 30A Relay and In-line Fuse Installation Kit. This kit is designed to provide reliable electrical control for various automotive accessories such as air horns, compressors, alarms, and trunk release systems. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation to ensure proper function and safety.
Image 1.1: Vixen Horns VXK9501 30A Relay and In-line Fuse Kit. This image displays the 30A 12V 4-pin relay alongside the waterproof in-line fuse holder with its red wire lead.
2. Safety Information
Always observe the following safety precautions during installation and operation:
- Disconnect Power: Before beginning any electrical work, disconnect the vehicle's battery to prevent electrical shock or short circuits.
- Correct Voltage: Ensure your application operates on a 12V DC system. This kit is designed for 12V applications only.
- Professional Installation: If you are unsure about any part of the installation process, consult a qualified automotive electrician.
- Wiring: Use appropriate gauge wiring for your application to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
- Fuse Protection: The included 30A in-line fuse is critical for protecting your circuit. Do not bypass or use a fuse with a higher rating than recommended.
- Secure Connections: Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly insulated to prevent accidental shorts.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all components are present in your kit:
- One (1) 30A / 12V Universal 4-PIN Relay
- One (1) 30A In-line Fuse with Waterproof Holder
4. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | VXK9501 |
| Brand | Vixen Horns |
| Coil Voltage | 12 Volts DC |
| Current Rating | 30 Amps |
| Maximum Switching Current | 30 Amps |
| Contact Type | Normally Open |
| Connector Type | Through Hole |
| Mounting Type | In-line Mount |
| Operation Mode | Automatic |
| Item Weight | 1.58 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 9 x 7 x 1 inches |
5. Installation
This section outlines the general wiring for a 4-pin 12V relay and the placement of the in-line fuse. Always refer to the specific wiring diagram of the accessory you are installing for precise connections.
5.1. Understanding the 4-PIN Relay
A standard 4-pin relay has four terminals, typically numbered 30, 85, 86, and 87. These terminals serve specific functions:
- Terminal 30: Constant 12V power input (from battery, protected by the in-line fuse).
- Terminal 85: Ground connection for the relay coil.
- Terminal 86: Trigger input for the relay coil (e.g., from a switch, horn button). When 12V is applied here, the relay activates.
- Terminal 87: Switched 12V output to the accessory. This terminal receives power from Terminal 30 when the relay is activated.
Image 5.1: Vixen Horns 4-PIN Relay. This close-up view shows the relay with its four terminals clearly marked with numbers 30, 85, 86, and 87, indicating their respective functions for wiring.
5.2. Wiring Steps
- Prepare Power Source: Locate a constant 12V power source from your vehicle's battery. This line should be capable of handling the 30A current.
- Install In-line Fuse: Connect the in-line fuse holder to the 12V power source. The fuse holder should be placed as close to the battery as possible to protect the entire circuit. Ensure the fuse is properly seated within the waterproof holder.
- Connect Terminal 30: Connect the fused 12V power line from the in-line fuse holder to Terminal 30 of the relay.
- Connect Terminal 85: Connect Terminal 85 of the relay to a reliable chassis ground point on your vehicle.
- Connect Terminal 86: Connect Terminal 86 to your trigger source. This could be a horn button, a switch, or another control signal that provides 12V when activated.
- Connect Terminal 87: Connect Terminal 87 to the positive (+) input of the accessory you wish to power (e.g., air horn, compressor). Ensure the accessory's negative (-) terminal is properly grounded.
- Secure Components: Mount the relay and fuse holder in a secure location, away from excessive heat, moisture, and moving parts.
- Test Connections: Before reconnecting the battery, double-check all connections for correctness and security.
- Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the vehicle's battery and test the functionality of your installed accessory.
Image 5.2: Vixen Horns Waterproof In-line Fuse Holder. This image shows the compact, waterproof fuse holder with its red wire, designed to protect electrical circuits from overcurrent.
6. Operation
Once correctly installed, the Vixen Horns VXK9501 kit operates automatically based on the trigger signal:
- When 12V is applied to Terminal 86 (the trigger), the relay's internal coil energizes.
- The energized coil creates a magnetic field that pulls a contact, closing the circuit between Terminal 30 (constant 12V power) and Terminal 87 (accessory power).
- Power is then supplied to your connected accessory.
- When the 12V trigger signal to Terminal 86 is removed, the relay de-energizes, opening the circuit between Terminal 30 and 87, and cutting power to the accessory.
The relay is recommended for temporary usage, up to 10 minutes continuous operation, to prevent overheating and ensure longevity.
7. Maintenance
The Vixen Horns VXK9501 kit requires minimal maintenance. Regular inspection is recommended:
- Visual Inspection: Periodically check all wiring connections for corrosion, fraying, or loose terminals. Ensure the relay and fuse holder are securely mounted.
- Fuse Check: If the connected accessory stops working, the first step is to check the 30A fuse in the in-line holder. A blown fuse indicates an overcurrent condition.
- Fuse Replacement: To replace a blown fuse, open the waterproof fuse holder, remove the old fuse, and insert a new 30A ATO/ATC blade fuse. Always replace with a fuse of the same rating (30A).
- Cleanliness: Keep the relay and fuse holder free from dirt, dust, and moisture to ensure optimal performance.
8. Troubleshooting
If your accessory is not functioning correctly after installation, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Accessory does not turn on. | Blown fuse. | Check and replace the 30A fuse in the in-line holder. Investigate the cause of the overcurrent if it blows repeatedly. |
| Loose or incorrect wiring. | Verify all connections (30, 85, 86, 87) are secure and correctly wired according to Section 5. | |
| No 12V power to Terminal 30. | Check the main power supply from the battery. | |
| No ground to Terminal 85. | Ensure Terminal 85 has a solid ground connection. | |
| Relay does not click when triggered. | No 12V signal to Terminal 86. | Test the trigger source (e.g., horn button) to ensure it is sending 12V to Terminal 86. |
| Faulty relay. | If all other connections are correct, the relay itself may be faulty and require replacement. | |
| Accessory turns on but is weak/intermittent. | Poor connections or inadequate wiring. | Inspect all connections for corrosion or looseness. Ensure wiring gauge is sufficient for the accessory's current draw. |
9. Warranty and Support
Vixen Horns is committed to delivering quality and reliability. While specific warranty details are not provided in this manual, Vixen Horns is a USA trademarked brand focused on providing high-quality products. For technical assistance or support, please refer to the official Vixen Horns website or contact their customer service department.
For more information and support, visit the Vixen Horns Store on Amazon.