Horn “fade” on a ‘62

[67drake]

Horn “fade” on a ‘62

I’ve never had a car that did this. The first time I hit the horn it works, if I hit it a second time it works, but sounds weak. The third or fourth time it won’t work at all. Is this the relay acting up?
Thanks for any insight.

 

[67drake]

Re: Horn “fade” on a ‘62

Well, I guess I’ll order a relay. Don’t know what else to try.

 

[dmsfrr]

Re: Horn “fade” on a ‘62

Well, I guess I’ll order a relay. Don’t know what else to try.

Use a jumper wire from the battery direct to the horns.
That will bypass the horn relay so you can rule it in or out as a potential problem.

If the horns work well powered with a jumper wire, the relay would be suspect.
If the horns still fade out, then the horns themselves are tired.

 

[Ford blue blood]

Re: Horn “fade” on a ‘62

The horn has a set of points inside that make and break to make the sound you hear. Bet the points are heating up caused by the corrosion on them which is what is causing the noise to change and eventually stop. Most of them can be disassembled. Clean the points and you should be in business.

 

[KULTULZ]

Re: Horn “fade” on a ‘62

Use a jumper wire from the battery direct to the horns.

That will bypass the horn relay so you can rule it in or out as a potential problem.

If the horns work well powered with a jumper wire, the relay would be suspect.

If the horns still fade out, then the horns themselves are tired.

The horn has a set of points inside that make and break to make the sound you hear. Bet the points are heating up caused by the corrosion on them which is what is causing the noise to change and eventually stop. Most of them can be disassembled. Clean the points and you should be in business.

And there is your dinner ...

There should be two horns (HI-LO) and a relay and horn button. Diagnose it and don't point a loaded parts cannon at it.

 

[67drake]

Re: Horn “fade” on a ‘62

Thanks guys, simple enough, but honestly I don’t think I’ve ever worked on a horn in 45 years of playing with cars! I’ve never heard of a horn tapering off either, so figured maybe this happened to someone before.
Yes, I have a high and low pitch horn.
Thanks for some direction here.

 

[dmsfrr]

Re: Horn “fade” on a ‘62

.... I’ve never heard of a horn tapering off ...

My first guess would be corrosion on the points contacts could cause arcing leading to more arcing deposits and worsening the problem, thus the fade out.

 

[67drake]

Re: Horn “fade” on a ‘62

Ran a wire to each horn, and they worked fine.
Took the relay off and the connections looked OK. I pried the cover off of the relay and the contact did have some corrosion on it. Took a little 800 grit to it briefly, and bingo! Horns sound better than they have for decades.
Thanks guys. Electrical is not my strong point, but if I get a little direction…..