Horn doesn't work

[Guest]

Been riding without one, against better judgment. I put a new relay in recently to make sure that wasn't the problem, tests show that the wiring is sound, (new louder horns about 3 yrs ago) so I suspect the problem is in the switch button itself. In your experience, is it best to open and clean or just replace the dang thing?

[7981GS]

Have you tried working some penetrating oil in the button yet?

Eric

[koolaid_kid]

Before you do that, have you tested the horn itself yet?
Here is how to do it:
1 of the spade connectors should have 12V when the key is ON. If not, trace through your relay.
If 12V is present, connect that to the horn and run a spade connector from the other side to a ground point. Horn should sound. If not, horn is faulty.

[tkent02]

Taking the switch apart to clean out all of the spiderwebs and corrosion is a good idea whether it needs it or not. If you work inside of a plastic bag you won't loose any tiny springs and contacts.

[koolaid_kid]

Taking the switch apart to clean out all of the spiderwebs and corrosion is a good idea whether it needs it or not. If you work inside of a plastic bag you won't loose any tiny springs and contacts.

While I agree in principle, I am of the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" mindset. Having said that, it's not my bike or my decision.

[rockford]

Amen

While I agree in principle, I am of the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" mindset. Having said that, it's not my bike or my decision.

Me, too!

[Killer2600]

While I agree in principle, I am of the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" mindset. Having said that, it's not my bike or my decision.

Interesting

I'm of the mindset, "If it ain't broke, your not trying hard enough."

[rockford]

Right!

Interesting

I'm of the mindset, "If it ain't broke, your not trying hard enough."

That was the reason for my comment. I'm usually able to find enough trouble without going out looking for it.

[tkent02]

While I agree in principle, I am of the "If it ain't broke don't fix it" mindset. Having said that, it's not my bike or my decision.

I prefer to make sure nothing ever even thinks about breaking down on the road. So far I have 100% reliability at this.
Pretty good for having owned over 50 old beat to crap bikes.

The headlight and turn signal wiring and switching are in there too, clean and inspect them all. The other side too while you're at it. The kill switch and starter switch can certainly cause problems.

[patrick]

Great suggestions, thanks, going to spray first ask questions later.

[chuck hahn]

You would be amazed at what a few decent taps with a hammer on the backs of them will do..Ive had lost of guys say my horns are broke. I say really? then etch the adjuster and what do you know....they were just stuck.

[cowboyup3371]

If you have to take the left handle switch apart you shouldn't have too big of an issue. I did very slowly and nothing came popping out - maybe I was lucky?

But honestly, it might be a good idea anyway as it does get pretty dirty in there. My turn signal got harder and harder to engage last year, cleaned it up nice and pretty.

[Nessism]

First thing I'd do is measure voltage at the horns when the button is pressed. Could be the switch is fine, although maintenance is good, and the horn is on the fritz. In my experience, the horns tend to fill up with dirt and such and don't work after a while, or at least sound weak. There is an adjustment screw on the horn to adjust the tone so that's another thing to play with also...assuming the voltage is there.