Learn how to change your car’s horn in six easy steps.
Horns are typically placed in front of vehicles to easily hear the sound, where they have constant exposure to rain, dust, and road chemicals. If you are unlucky enough, these destructive elements can get into your horn and kill it. In some cases, if your horn is strong enough and chooses to fight rather than surrender, it may end up alive but with a different sound or a low volume, and you might now consider replacement horns for your car horns.
Now, whether your car horn is dead or has just started making a weird sound, you may want to change to a new horn. Of course, one obvious option is to refer to a mechanic. That is an easy solution; however, it may cost you way more than it deserves for a new one. There are also various car horns to choose from, such as electric horns or standard air horns.
So, why change the car horn yourself? You will save some money, and who knows, you may also end up enjoying it. Keep reading to learn how to change a car horn in six simple steps, even if you are a complete amateur.
Learn How To Change Car Horn In 6 Steps
Step #1: Prepare yourself and your workplace.
Before replacing the car horn, it is essential to follow and take note of some safety tips and be familiar with your car horn components. However, you don’t need to panic; there is no potential danger in replacing a car horn. We are just trying to be super protective.
The first thing is to wear protective gloves. Again, your hand will touch nothing dangerous; gloves are to prevent your hand from getting dirty or being scratched.
Next, make sure that your workplace is smooth. Of course, this has nothing to do with replacement horn; it is just a general safety rule. Also, if available, wear non-slip work boots. Be sure to also to read the manual of your aftermarket horn.
After that, please search for the location of the specific fuse and disconnect the negative battery cable, and put it somewhere safe. This may be the most important safety step. If not disconnected, it can result in short circuit currents of hundreds of amperes and heavy sparks.
Finally, remove the horn circuit fuse from the fuse box, and you are ready to replace the car horns with a new horn.
Step #2: Remove the Front Bumper Cover
To remove the front bumper, you will first need to unscrew and remove the bumper cover and the car’s grille. There are some things that need to be clarified about this. Many people think of the bumper cover as the bumper itself; however, it is made to conceal the actual bumper and give your car a nice look.
When you are done with the bumper cover, you will reach the bumper of your car. The bumper is held tight by plastic clips. Pry out these plastic clips; you can use a screwdriver or any other tool with a flat shaft. Once the pins are exposed, remove the front bumper cover.
Step #3: Remove The Dead Horns
It is easy to locate dead or damaged horns. If your car bumper is away, they will be right in front of you. Carefully disconnect the electrical plug connections connected to the electric horns.
Usually, horns are attached to a holder, which is tightened to the car. First, untighten the holder from the car. Of course, you will need to unscrew it using a screwdriver or needle-nosed pliers. Then, disconnect the horns from the holder; you will need to unscrew this too. Once you unscrew the horns, gently pull them to see if they depart.
If you have unscrewed the horns from the holder completely, they will depart. However, because they have been fastened together for years, you may need to use some force. There is little to do with replacement horns; thus, once disconnected from your car, you can throw your car horns.
Step #4: Install New Horns
In this step, you will basically undo what you did in the third step. First, fasten the new horns to the holder. Then, put the holder in its position (front of the car) and screw it. Try to be creative; there may be times when your new horns need to fit the holder. Try out different positions; you will find a solution for your car horns.
Once you are done fastening horns to the holder and the car, it is time to install new horns. Attach the electrical connections to your new horn and ensure they are tight. Before proceeding to the next step, once again, check if everything is screwed. Especially check the car horn’s holder; it shouldn’t be loose.
Step #5: Time To Try New Horns
Connect the horn circuit fuse and run a functional test or a honk sound. Do this by pressing the horn button located in the middle of your car’s steering wheel. There is an excellent chance that the new horns will work. However, if they didn’t, the reason could be a loose electrical connection, an issue with the wiring, a mounting bolt, a problem with the wire connector, or the new horns that need to be fixed. You might also want to check the airbag light because some issues may be related to an airbag problem. Another issue you might encounter for the most car is the radiator core support if there’s a metal strip inside, and you might want to call an expert if you encounter this problem.
To check a loose electrical connection, first, disconnect the circuit fuse and then aim to tighten the plugs. Once done with the tightening, attach the circuit fuse and run another functional test with the horn button from the steering wheel. If the new horns didn’t work this time, too, then probably your new horns are broken or you bought a lower-end horn.
Step #6: Clean Up The Mess
Your new horns will function properly, and you will be satisfied with their sound. Then, your final duty is to get your car components together and dispose of your old horn.
You will need to place the front bumper and cover in their original positions. Placing is way easier than removing them, so if you were successful at removing them, you would do this more easily.
Make sure that both the bumper and its bumper cover are screwed tight. After all, you wouldn’t want them to fall when you are driving. Also, be extra careful with the bumper cover. It is delicate, and you can scratch it easily.
Wrap Up
Various incidents may lead to your car horn being destroyed. Regardless of the reason, once damaged, you will surely need to change it. While referring to a mechanic is an easy solution, it is costly. Not fun, either.
Thus, we suggest you learn how to change a car horn and do it yourself. It is easy and straightforward. And fun. First, follow some safety tips. These tips are to make sure nothing wrong happens, even if you are super unlucky.
Other steps include removing the front bumper, exchanging the damaged horns with the new ones, testing the functionality of the new horns, and finally, placing the bumper in its original position.
