Horn(s)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 4
From: Austin TX
Horn(s)
I think my horns have both died, and I'm trying to determine if this is the case, and what the best C.O.A. would be. I have my horns out, and I've connected the terminals on the horn to the terminals on a 6V lantern battery, to see if I get any sound. All I get is something that sounds vaguely like static. My question is, would the 6V be enough to make a drastic sound, or would I need something bigger? If my horns are both dead, what's the best (see also: cheapest) way to go about replacing them?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,588
Likes: 10
From: North New Jersey
I think my horns have both died, and I'm trying to determine if this is the case, and what the best C.O.A. would be. I have my horns out, and I've connected the terminals on the horn to the terminals on a 6V lantern battery, to see if I get any sound. All I get is something that sounds vaguely like static. My question is, would the 6V be enough to make a drastic sound, or would I need something bigger? If my horns are both dead, what's the best (see also: cheapest) way to go about replacing them?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 4
From: Austin TX
I'm on a budget til the 6th, I don't currently have a voltmeter unfortunately. It's on my list of things I need. The only reason I need the horn is because my inspection was due in June, and I forget the horn has to work for that.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 4
From: Austin TX
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
I have seen used Corvette horns on ebay every once in awhile, but no, not new.. The way I checked to see if it was the horns on my car was to take a test light( these are like $5.00 at Walmart) and put the ground clip on grounded metal , stick the tip into the wire from the horn, and have someone hit the horn. If it lights up its the horn , if it doesn't light its something else..WW
Last edited by WW7; Aug 1, 2010 at 11:01 AM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 509
Likes: 8
From: Livonia Michigan
Use the test light from walmarts if it dont come on check the fuse or relay. My fuse was blown and the security lite in the center console wouldnt light up. I think the horns need 12v, 6v just wont work.
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Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 610
Likes: 1
Six volts may not be enough.
If the coil in the horn has continuity (check ohms) then the diaphragm may be frozen. Remove the adjustment screw and squirt some penetrating oil in there. Then rap it a few times to free things up. Replace the screw and try it.
If the coil in the horn has continuity (check ohms) then the diaphragm may be frozen. Remove the adjustment screw and squirt some penetrating oil in there. Then rap it a few times to free things up. Replace the screw and try it.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 4
From: Austin TX
What setting do I need to test that the horns are getting power to the plugs?
Last edited by Azriel; Aug 1, 2010 at 05:59 PM.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 509
Likes: 8
From: Livonia Michigan
1.5 ohms means there is continuity and at 12v it will draw 8 amps. Put your meter on DC volts 15v or something close scale and measure the voltage on the horn contact when pressing the horn button.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 773
Likes: 2
From: Minneapolis MN
6 volts is not enough.Getting direct fit horns are much more expensive that aftermarket cut & splice horns-normally 3x or more expensive).Without tools get some wires & connect one wire to battery + & connect other end to 1 of the connector ends on the horn.Take another wire & connect to battery - & other end of wire to other terminal on horn.Horn should blow as long as battery isn't dead.If horn sounds/blows,that horn is fine.Without tools the other test to do is find horn relay & switch with another relay that is next to it & reconnect wires that go to horn from car wiring harness.Then press horn & see if it sounds.If does obvious you need a new relay.Also see if there is a horn fuse & see if the fuse is blown.Do these tests & let use know whatthe results are.May have broken horn contacts which means airbag has to come off if 1990 or newer-this is common problem as their plastic & get brittle over time then break.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
I agree with Dogfish, but if you don't have a voltmeter or test light, instead of the lantern battery, whey don't you just use the battery in your car (or another car if it is easier to get to)? Mine were both dead, got some replacements at Autozone, spliced in the wires, now I have horns.
Advanced
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Morgans Point Resort Texas
Azriel, i just went through this with my 87. I got one exact replacement from GM, the other had been superceded. The only real difference was the type of plug that came on the replacement horn. You would have to cut your plug off and wire in a different plug which comes with the horn. I got mine from Covert Buick there in Austin, from a guy by the name of Kent.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,882
Likes: 234
From: Bangkok, Thailand
My favorite horn for those kids with the thump-thump thing going on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiWNw0A1Ijg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiWNw0A1Ijg
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 4
From: Austin TX
My favorite horn for those kids with the thump-thump thing going on:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiWNw0A1Ijg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiWNw0A1Ijg
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,024
Likes: 4
From: Austin TX
Would anyone be interested in a step by step DIY guide for replacing a horn Relay? Because I've seen this picture posted a few times, showing where it's supposed to be. But that doesn't honestly help any.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,320
Likes: 248
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Remove the center bezel and you will see the horn relay.
http://members.shaw.ca/agent86/Dash%...%20Removal.pdf
http://members.shaw.ca/agent86/Horn%20Electrical.pdf
