Horn barely working - 1982 GS850GL

[Guest]

Hi,

Seems to be a common problem. Press the horn button - hear a short wimpy beep.

Note - did test the horn by bypassing the horn button and the horn blows good and loud.

Have read that cleaning out the left switch assembly will resolve the issue. However can't find instructions on how to take it apart - specifically removing the pyramid a.k.a. the turn signal/high beam button.

Did find some links in the Old Technical section, but the photos look to be disabled.

Any help is appreciated.

Thank you

[gsrick]

The horn works by a plate vibrating. You may need to adjust it or tune it to get the sound back to full volume.

http://www.motohaus.com/acatalog/Horn%20adjustment%20doc.pdf

Yours may be a little different, but this should help.

[jdion81]

I'd check out the horn relay mod.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/horn_relay_install_gert.pdf

A lot of good information on Basscliff's page.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

[limeex2]

Theres a Phillips screw and lock nut on the horn. Loosen lock nut, and while holding the horn button down turn the Phillips screw in or out to tune it.

[jdion81]

If the horn needed tuned, would it make a different sound whenever he applies voltage direct from the battery?

[gsrick]

If the horn needed tuned, would it make a different sound whenever he applies voltage direct from the battery?

Good question, I missed where he bypassed the switch.

[hillsy]

Once you remove the switchblock from the bike it's reasonably apparent how it all disassembles once you look inside it. Good idea to grab a large zip-lock bag and unscrew the components inside that if you are uncertain about the process - this will stop small pieces flying across the room if you muck up.

[Cyrano]

Going through a similar problem myself.

I found that there was a voltage drop in the wiring that meant I was only getting 9 - 10v at the horn. This was eventually traced to a dirty connector on the fuse box. Even though the box is new it was an old spade terminal.

So check and clean all the wiring in the system. On my '80 850GL there are 2 block connectors under the tank, one in the headlight and the fuse terminals.

Once I fit my new stator my horns will need a retune as I've been messing with them.

[hillsy]

I had the horn stop working on an FJ1200 and it ended up being a corroded horn switch / button. Cleaned it up and all is well.

It's either the switch or the wiring. Easiest to start with cleaning the switch.

[Steve]

After all that, if your horn STILL does not sound quite the way you want, make sure you have something close to battery voltage at the green wire at the horn. Note that the green wire is live all the time when the key is ON. If you have close to battery voltage (within a volt or so), and your horn(s) simply cant' be tuned to your satisfaction, go down to your local auto parts store and get a couple horns.

Check the horns carefully. If you are lucky, they will have two terminals, like the stock horns. If they don't, you will need to install a relay, which isn't all that hard, and will positively ensure that you get full voltage to the horns. Let us know what you find, we can guide you from there.

.

[OldVet66]

There is a lot of heat on those wires. It causes a lot of problems. I cut my brittle wires back and spliced in new wire and connections in it's place The horn went from a weak bleep to loud enough to have the inspector jump when he tried the horn.

[mauricedonini]

Hi,

Looks like a lot of folks have been down this path. Thanks for your help.

Here's what was done before starting the thread;

1. Stock configuration - wimpy short inconsistent beep.
2. Disconnect stock negative wire to horn and jumped a separate wire from the horn button to the horn - wimpy short inconsistent beep.
3. Disconnect stock negative wire to horn and jumped a separate wire from the battery's negative terminal to the horn. Loud constant 'get out of my way' beep. Horn is good!

Following those two tests, it lead me to believe there's resistance with the horn button.

After reading some of the responses from this thread, I did try adjusting the sound and was able to get a somewhat audible/constant beep. Guess it would pass an inspection, but know it could be better.

Thinking the next step is to go through the left turn sign assembly. How does one remove the turn signal button? Is it screwed in, pulled out or another method?

Thanks for the help.

[Skinner]

Once you remove the switchblock from the bike it's reasonably apparent how it all disassembles once you look inside it. Good idea to grab a large zip-lock bag and unscrew the components inside that if you are uncertain about the process - this will stop small pieces flying across the room if you muck up.

I second this. I recently rebuilt both switches on my 1982 Kat. The turn signal switch has a few very small springs that can jump if you're not careful. The ziplock bag contained everything nicely.

[Eli69]

You may want to look at the horn itself. I've gotten a few working by dousing them with PB Blaster while powering them, on the bench and working the tuning adjustment screw. They can get really dirty and corroded inside.

[mrbill5491]

New 150dbs high pitch horn, add relay and done. Cleaning the switch wouldn't hurt yeah. Since I did this to my bike, I have one hell'va loud horn, not that whimpy stock eeeeeppp.