Actually I have to buy that multimeter. The swapping relays idea was my next step for the horn but for safety sake it's gotta be struts first. The springs, shocks, and tops are done to the point where the car shifts almost to the point of sliding when going around a turn.. the wire to horn trick is a huge tip thanks for that. I appreciate all the advice. Going to nail down the oil leak issue this weekend when I get the oil changed which is just an excuse for my mechanic friend to look at it on a lift so I'll know exactly what needs I have this weekend.

 

Check the control arm bushings as well.

 

will do. thanks.

 

And now it looks like the alternator just died. no codes thrown as a warning. the battery light came on during the trip to work then dash lights flickered until they died, then the car died around the corner from work. a jump only fixed the problem for 5 minutes so I had it towed home. The battery looks good with no seepage or rust on the connectors and from what I can see the wiring harness is secure. I havent been under the car to check the belt but I didn't see anything hanging down from a distance... not that I necessarily would have.

I checked the kia amanti connection and it looks like it's 100% right. a scan of rockauto showed the same parts lists for all the parts on this cars to do list

 

Sorry to hear of your failed alternator.
XG and Amanti are sister models and the things under the hood do interchange.
To verify that the alternator is bad, take it out and have it AND the battery tested at a parts store. Alternator and battery work together and when one fails the other suffers but may survive. Parts stores do that for free and they may have a remanufactured one at a good price. It may be worth checking the junk yards as well.
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