Horn Problem/Fix?

redvettemike · July 13th, 2009, 08:52 PM

One of the horns on my '71 442 does not work. A friend who is very knowledgeable about Pontiacs says that a fix is to fill the horn with penetrating oil. Then, after a while, pour this off and that many times this will cause the horn to start working again. Anyone ever tried such a fix?

joe_padavano · July 14th, 2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redvettemike

One of the horns on my '71 442 does not work. A friend who is very knowledgeable about Pontiacs says that a fix is to fill the horn with penetrating oil. Then, after a while, pour this off and that many times this will cause the horn to start working again. Anyone ever tried such a fix?

Have you verified that there is power at the connector when you press the horn button? Have you verified that the horn has a good ground and is not rusted?

Never heard of the penetrating oil trick. If the problem really is the horn and not the wiring or ground, then you have nothing to lose, since the next step is a new horn.

Joeypete · July 14th, 2009, 09:33 AM

I have the same issue in my Toronado. I found the horns finally but they aren't easy to access at all!

redvettemike · July 17th, 2009, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redvettemike

One of the horns on my '71 442 does not work. A friend who is very knowledgeable about Pontiacs says that a fix is to fill the horn with penetrating oil. Then, after a while, pour this off and that many times this will cause the horn to start working again. Anyone ever tried such a fix?

Well, the horn will blow but it sounds pretty sad. Do any of you folks know of someone that does horn rebuilds/restorations? Thanks.
Mike

Cameo White · July 17th, 2009, 05:18 PM

Is it the high note or low note that is acting up?
I have an extra NOS low note I'd sell to you.
Email me if you want more info.

My442 · July 18th, 2009, 05:57 AM

Google "The Horn Works".

I saw them advertise somewhere.

Lady72nRob71 · July 18th, 2009, 07:39 AM

If they are not a rusted mess, then you may try the adjustment screw if yours has one and is movable..

Wear ear protection, wire it up on the bench to a good battery with an ammeter in series.
Then adjust the screw to about 5A current draw (4.5-5.5A). If it already reads in that range, then try the penetrating oil, and if all fails, get a new one. Good ones can often be found in the boneyards.
After purchase, hook it across your vehicle battery to verify it works (and correct tone) before leaving.

redvettemike · August 15th, 2009, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My442

Google "The Horn Works".

I saw them advertise somewhere.

I sent my horns (from a '71 442) off to the Horn Works. He sent them back in about 2 weeks (as promised) and I put them on the car today. Those horns sound like they came off the 'Panama Limited' (an old Illinois Central pass train)-that is, they sound great! They look like new although you really cannot see them because of the front radiator cover. The Horn Works rocks. $179 plus $10 shipping.

July 13th, 2009, 08:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
redvettemike Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 72	Horn Problem/Fix? One of the horns on my '71 442 does not work. A friend who is very knowledgeable about Pontiacs says that a fix is to fill the horn with penetrating oil. Then, after a while, pour this off and that many times this will cause the horn to start working again. Anyone ever tried such a fix?

July 14th, 2009, 09:33 AM	#3 (permalink)
Joeypete Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 216	I have the same issue in my Toronado. I found the horns finally but they aren't easy to access at all! __________________ 1986 Custom Cruiser 2009 Ford Focus SE Coupe

July 18th, 2009, 07:39 AM	#7 (permalink)
Lady72nRob71 Moderator Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 1,916	If they are not a rusted mess, then you may try the adjustment screw if yours has one and is movable.. Wear ear protection, wire it up on the bench to a good battery with an ammeter in series. Then adjust the screw to about 5A current draw (4.5-5.5A). If it already reads in that range, then try the penetrating oil, and if all fails, get a new one. Good ones can often be found in the boneyards. After purchase, hook it across your vehicle battery to verify it works (and correct tone) before leaving. __________________ -Rob Young 1972 Cutlass Supreme Convertible (442 clone) -"Lady" (My mistress...) http://www.flickr.com/photos/robsalbum/sets/ 1986 Cutlass Supreme Coupe - "Pristine" 1978 Ford (Old Faithful) a.k.a. "the Tramp" 1997 Cadillac STS (for sale - too many cars!) 1999 Harley Davidson Sportster - "the Freedom Machine"

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Cameo White Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 330	Is it the high note or low note that is acting up? I have an extra NOS low note I'd sell to you. Email me if you want more info.

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