Testing Horn

[Jonah]

Hi all,

I'm tinkering with a faulty horn, and recently removed one of the two sides (see image). I'd like to attach this directly to a battery, to see whether the horn itself is faulty, or whether it's a wiring issue. Does anyone know which of these two wires is + and which is – ?

In case it's helpful, one of the two wires (which are fused together) has a black stripe on it, with lots of information printed on it. Also, the screws holding the wires onto the horn are labeled: one says "X" and the other says "2".

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Mariner]

I don't believe that it matters on the wiring. Most electric horns do not have a specific positive or negative wire. Failure of the horn is a common problem due to exposure and corrosion. It is easier to buy a new replacement and be done with it.

 

[Jonah]

Thanks Mariner.

You were right. In this case, the horn works fine when connected to a battery (whichever way I connect the wires). So, I know that I have a wiring issue, or a problem with my horn switch, etc.

 

[Fishtales]

appears not to pass the eyeball test. rip and replace.

 

[Lt.Mike]

Your horn looks to be near the end of its life, replace it and the wire too. Remember what I said about corrosion and boat wiring, its going to happen and your going to need to run new wires and replace certain electrical components when it does. The good news is it doesn't cost much if you learn to do your own work and buy what you need from places like http://www.defender.com and http://www.iboats.com.
But before you do any of this stop! Do yourself a favor and buy yourself a good how to book on 12v wiring.
Heres a good one, http://www.amazon.com/12-Volt-Bible-Boa ... ing+basics

If it makes you feel any better I have a new horn in my barn now and this same project is on my winter to do list too.
In fact I am in the process of a complete revamp of my dash controls and gauges.
I'm in for some fun! :lol:

Mike.

 

[Jonah]

Thanks Mariner.

You were right. In this case, the horn works fine when connected to a battery (whichever way I connect the wires). So, I know that I have a wiring issue, or a problem with my horn switch, etc.

Hi all,

After testing, I put the horn back on and cleaned my terminal connections. Works like a charm!

Thanks again for all the input.

 

[Jonah]

But before you do any of this stop! Do yourself a favor and buy yourself a good how to book on 12v wiring.
Heres a good one, http://www.amazon.com/12-Volt-Bible-Boa ... ing+basics

If it makes you feel any better I have a new horn in my barn now and this same project is on my winter to do list too.
In fact I am in the process of a complete revamp of my dash controls and gauges.
I'm in for some fun! :lol:

Mike.

Thanks Lt Mike. I'm going to read the electronics section of my Chapman's book, but then I look forward to checking out the links you've provided!