Some Information about Horns
from the list .... of course!
Mike Perry asked:
I've got two horns (which seems to be standard), and only the first is working. No problem here...if I can't replace a horn, I probably shouldn't own the car. My question is, since I've never heard the system working properly, is there a tonal difference in the two? Do I need to properly identify which horn I am replacing in order to rectify this? Curiosity as much as anything else....and deciding where to place this on my to-do list....somewhere behind "leaks at every conceivable point!
William Davies answered:
Usually, one of the horns will be a "High", the other a "Low", but some markets were fitted with a "High" on one side, and a "High High" on the other, which results in a very squeaky horn tone! Somewhere on the body of the horn you will find the letters signifying which tone it is, actually cast into the metal, ie, H, L or HH etc. You will probabbly have to clean up the horn to read this, but it should be a reasonably prominent marking.
Paul Tegler added:
Before you go and replace the horn, check the surface of the horn near where the mount bolt is. If there is a second screw that protrudes but doesn't look like it mounts anything, or by viewing you'd think it mounted something internal, this is an adjustment screw. Record the present position of the screw. (slot angle/position) Give it a good tweek... max of two full turns in both directions from the initial position. Disconnect the working horn, have a friend push and hold the horn button while you fiddle with this screw. It may just start working again. This screw is basically a 'stop' for the little vibrating disc within the horn. With age, normally very little use, metal fatigue, and rust, it just doesn't vibrate correctly. Move the 'home position' of the stop and you may just get it working again.
Peter S also added:
When I got my car one of the horns sounded like a muffled cow dying on the driveway. I've had good luck spraying electric motor cleaner inside. Take it off the car and spray right into the mouth of it. Swish it around plenty and pour it out and let it dry. Use a couple of 2 foot long (14 gauge or so) wires and connect directly to the battery to test. Mine is fine now. Some auto shops carry this cleaner now.
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