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Horn Replacement

65K views 41 replies 22 participants last post by  MikDee  
#1 ·
Having a cheap ($19.99) but loud, new set of horns leftover from not installing them on my last 2005 Tucson, and looking to head on the interstate to Myrtle beach S.C. Carolina this Sat, I was determined to change out that dangerous, pathetic, excuse for a horn! :mad:

So here's what I found, and how it's done, first this job is not that hard to do, anyone can do it easily, as long as you have this info,,, I just hope my horn switch, & relay, holds up with the twin horns I put in.

1) under the hood just remove the screws holding the radiator cover, I don't think it's necessary to remove all of them, just the drivers side, enough to be able to remove the headlight assembly. Then there's 3 bolts holding the headlight assembly, on top 1-10mm, & 1-12mm they are right on top, & quite visible, next underneath there is another 10mm bolt about the middle, in sideways, (check pix) just remove these, and the headlight elect plug (push down on the back of the plug clip to release) now, just sort of jostle the headlight back, & forward (but forward a bit more) while lifting it, and pulling back the loose radiator cover to clear, and it should come right out.

2) The One cheap flat p.o.s. Kia horn is now visible, & accessible. In the 3rd pic you'll see it after I removed it, and the angle bracket that holds it laying on the inner fender well.

3) I decided to open the air filter, being as it was so easy to do now with nothing in the way, Look what I found in my air filter housing??? Surprise! :eek: Acorns! I have no idea how they got there, the air spout lifts the air from underneath, then sends it down to the plenum to the filter. :puzzled: By the way, it's a thick odd shaped filter, and looking at the bottom of the cover there's another felt like non-removable permanent filter attached to it apparently? :puzzled:

4) I found I was able to use the original mounting bracket for both my horns, the short bracket arm on the old horn itself, I found was 2 pieces when I took it off the horn, I seperated them, bolted them together end, to end, forming approx. a 45 degree angle, I was then able to mount both horns on that, one on top of the other, in a canted position, both facing the front (the grill), and mount the bracket upside down in the middle, but it was not flat against it's mount,,, it still would have worked fine, but I decided to face the horns down, and mount them side, by side, one above the other, putting the bracket back in it's original position for security, the top horn plastic cover rests against the body, it's snug, but it works!

5) The hardest part was making up the wiring harness with the female spade terminals, then cutting the Hyundai connector off, (I had no choice, couldn't find an adaptor) and splicing the horn wires into the spade terminals along with the new horn wiring.

6) Tried the horn, a Big difference, finally a normal horn, I doubt I won't be heard now, at any time, or any speed!

7) Put it all back together, and I'm done! T.G.

Hundai, how could you do this to us!?


Pic #5- Is to show you the thick Air Filter
Pic #6- Is to show you the headlight bolts, one on the inside in the front, one on the inside in the back (that's 2) but glare blacked it out some.
Pic#9- Is the 3rd 10mm headlight bolt underneath, you can't miss it, it's like being inside a raised plastic picture frame.
Pic#10- Is the crappy single KIA horn! Pick it up, wind up, & toss it hard as you can into the unknown,,,lol
 

Attachments

#2 ·
Any questions?
My 2003 Santa Fe LX V6 4WD had a good normal loud horn, but my last Tucson a 2005 LX V6 AWD had a poor sounding horn as well, and I never got around to changing it, but apparently it had twin horns, and was not even as bad as the new Tucson single horn. Since I have had the new Tuc, Many times I've had to use it, and people are oblivious to it! It is dangerous, heaven forbid someone should cut you off, or back into you because it is not a good tone, or aggressive enough. So I was determined to change it.
 
#3 ·
This afternoon, I felt that my horn was still not clear, & loud enough, so I decided to go back in, and change the mounting design of the new horns. In about 5 minutes I had it all apart, after doing this job once. I changed the mounting of the horns back to the way I had it in the beginning, both horns facing forward towards the grill. Being I had the wiring done, it only took a few minutes to accomplish this. Check the pix to see how I used all the orig. mounting bracket parts, some were taken with flash, others in daylight:
 

Attachments

#5 ·
QUOTE (MikDee @ Nov 11 2010, 08:22 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=370998
This afternoon, I felt that my horn was still not clear, & loud enough, so I decided to go back in, and change the mounting design of the new horns. In about 5 minutes I had it all apart, after doing this job once. I changed the mounting of the horns back to the way I had it in the beginning, both horns facing forward towards the grill. Being I had the wiring done, it only took a few minutes to accomplish this. Check the pix to see how I used all the orig. mounting bracket parts, some were taken with flash, others in daylight:


Very interesting and informative. Will use these details when I pick up my new ix35 as I understand that they have the same problem.
Many thanks.

.
 
#6 ·
Just swapped out my horn today, using your post as a guide (thank you!). Though I had to McGyver the brackets a bit more than you, not sure if the difference was between the '10 and '11, or if the aftermarket horns that I bought were bigger than yours. But it all worked out, and now people can hear me coming!!
 
#7 ·
Great post!

Was going to post a question about changing out the horn on my 2011 Tucson GLS but searched and found your post......excellent pictures.
Looks like I need to go shopping for a new horn and tackle this job ASAP.
You have any idea on the current capacity of the horn circuit/wires before I need to add a relay?

I love the Tucson but the weenie horn and lack of ambient temperature display are seriously lacking on a vehicle like this.

thanks much! :liebe011:
 
#8 ·
Well thanks all, I'm only trying to be helpful as I feel the weak original horn is extremely dangerous!

Just as an example: About a month ago one afternoon on an overcast day I was heading home from the dealer on a main 2 lane country road doing about 45mph when all of a sudden there was an oncoming big white Ford Explorer veering into my lane at the same speed, by the time I realized the driver was still distracted, and it was now fully into my lane! :eek: I leaned on the horn, and got ready to take evasive action to the grass on the right side of the road, the young woman driving heeded my horn immediately, and swung back into her lane just in time to avert disaster. At the time I never gave it much thought, but then realized Thank God I recently installed the new horns, because I doubt she would have heard, or even acknowledged the weak orig. horn.

My ladyfriend, & I were shaken up for quite awhile afterward, but just glad knowing we were okay.

As far as how much juice/power the horn circuit, wiring, & relay would handle on the Tuc, I don't know?
But, I tried putting a small Airhorn on my 98' Dodge Neon, and it put a strain on that system, so I didn't want to try it on the new Tucson.
 
This post has been deleted
#36 ·
Well thanks to "Mikdee" today I tackled the job of replacing the anemic horn on my Tucson.
Your suggestion of loosening the radiator cover and removing just the headlight worked beautifully!

I purchased an compact air-horn that puts out 139DB..............because the the current draw is to much for the OEM wiring and circuit I also added a relay and fused the circuit.
I used part of the OEM bracket and was able to mount the air-horn to this along with the additional relay. I ran the main power directly from the battery.

She kicks some serious butt now! :banana:

Below are a couple of pictures I took while I was installing the new horn.

Image


Image


Image


Image
That horn is my favorite-- I used one on each of my 5 motorcycles. It requires a 10 Amp circuit and if you'll look at the fuse set-up in the Tucson, I don't believe there is anything less than 10 amps. Tomorrow, I will put on on my wife's Tucson and try it without the relay. I'll measure the current draw and report back. Your local Harbor Freight Store stocks them at a reasonable price.
 
#9 ·
QUOTE (MikDee @ Nov 10 2010, 07:27 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=370661
Having a cheap ($19.99) but loud, new set of horns leftover from not installing them on my last 2005 Tucson, and looking to head on the interstate to Myrtle beach S.C. Carolina this Sat, I was determined to change out that dangerous, pathetic, excuse for a horn! :mad:

So here's what I found, and how it's done, first this job is not that hard to do, anyone can do it easily, as long as you have this info,,, I just hope my horn switch, & relay, holds up with the twin horns I put in.

1) under the hood just remove the screws holding the radiator cover, I don't think it's necessary to remove all of them, just the drivers side, enough to be able to remove the headlight assembly. Then there's 3 bolts holding the headlight assembly, on top 1-10mm, & 1-12mm they are right on top, & quite visible, next underneath there is another 10mm bolt about the middle, in sideways, (check pix) just remove these, and the headlight elect plug (push down on the back of the plug clip to release) now, just sort of jostle the headlight back, & forward (but forward a bit more) while lifting it, and pulling back the loose radiator cover to clear, and it should come right out.

2) The One cheap flat p.o.s. Kia horn is now visible, & accessible. In the 3rd pic you'll see it after I removed it, and the angle bracket that holds it laying on the inner fender well.

3) I decided to open the air filter, being as it was so easy to do now with nothing in the way, Look what I found in my air filter housing??? Surprise! :eek: Acorns! I have no idea how they got there, the air spout lifts the air from underneath, then sends it down to the plenum to the filter. :puzzled: By the way, it's a thick odd shaped filter, and looking at the bottom of the cover there's another felt like non-removable permanent filter attached to it apparently? :puzzled:

4) I found I was able to use the original mounting bracket for both my horns, the short bracket arm on the old horn itself, I found was 2 pieces when I took it off the horn, I seperated them, bolted them together end, to end, forming approx. a 45 degree angle, I was then able to mount both horns on that, one on top of the other, in a canted position, both facing the front (the grill), and mount the bracket upside down in the middle, but it was not flat against it's mount,,, it still would have worked fine, but I decided to face the horns down, and mount them side, by side, one above the other, putting the bracket back in it's original position for security, the top horn plastic cover rests against the body, it's snug, but it works!

5) The hardest part was making up the wiring harness with the female spade terminals, then cutting the Hyundai connector off, (I had no choice, couldn't find an adaptor) and splicing the horn wires into the spade terminals along with the new horn wiring.

6) Tried the horn, a Big difference, finally a normal horn, I doubt I won't be heard now, at any time, or any speed!

7) Put it all back together, and I'm done! T.G.

Hundai, how could you do this to us!?


Pic #5- Is to show you the thick Air Filter
Pic #6- Is to show you the headlight bolts, one on the inside in the front, one on the inside in the back (that's 2) but glare blacked it out some.
Pic#9- Is the 3rd 10mm headlight bolt underneath, you can't miss it, it's like being inside a raised plastic picture frame.
Pic#10- Is the crappy single KIA horn! Pick it up, wind up, & toss it hard as you can into the unknown,,,lol

What horns did you use? Where did you get them? Did you have to use a relay? Did you wire them in series or parallel? Thanks in advance!
 
#10 ·
Got a chance to use the new air horn today for real.........some bozo started switching lanes without looking and almost nailed me.
Hammered the new horn and immediately got his attention!

Defintely a worthwhile improvement to the stock moped buzzer. :thumbsup:
 
#11 ·
QUOTE (Buerkletucson @ Mar 4 2011, 11:43 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=410401
Well thanks to "Mikdee" today I tackled the job of replacing the anemic horn on my Tucson.
Your suggestion of loosening the radiator cover and removing just the headlight worked beautifully!

I purchased an compact air-horn that puts out 139DB..............because the the current draw is to much for the OEM wiring and circuit I also added a relay and fused the circuit.
I used part of the OEM bracket and was able to mount the air-horn to this along with the additional relay. I ran the main power directly from the battery.

She kicks some serious butt now! :banana:

Below are a couple of pictures I took while I was installing the new horn.

Image


Image


Image


Image
 
#13 ·
Hi folks. New member here. I've had the 2011 Tucson LTD for about a month and 1000 miles. Love it so far. I agree that the horn is worthless so I installed a new one yesterday. Everything went in great and the horn worked like a charm - in the garage. I went out later and was driving around and thought, "hey, I wonder what the horn sounds like?". So I hit the button and I got a short yelp, then nothing. I figured I had blown a fuse - not a singular development in my life of wiring stuff to my cars.

So I go looking for the fuse - can't find it. The fuse box in the cabin near the driver's left knee does not have a fuse identified as "Horn".

So my question to you all is, Where is the horn fuse?

Thanks in advance for anyone able to direct me. My next step is to pull each of the fuses out and see which one is the culprit.

Daniel
SF Bay Area
 
#14 ·
QUOTE (82katana @ May 17 2011, 04:54 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=447091
Hi folks. New member here. I've had the 2011 Tucson LTD for about a month and 1000 miles. Love it so far. I agree that the horn is worthless so I installed a new one yesterday. Everything went in great and the horn worked like a charm - in the garage. I went out later and was driving around and thought, "hey, I wonder what the horn sounds like?". So I hit the button and I got a short yelp, then nothing. I figured I had blown a fuse - not a singular development in my life of wiring stuff to my cars.

So I go looking for the fuse - can't find it. The fuse box in the cabin near the driver's left knee does not have a fuse identified as "Horn".

So my question to you all is, Where is the horn fuse?

Thanks in advance for anyone able to direct me. My next step is to pull each of the fuses out and see which one is the culprit.

Daniel
SF Bay Area
It's a 15 amp fuse that's located in the fuse box under the hood.................as your facing the car looking at the engine it's on the far right side inside a black plastic box.
Open it up and it clearly shows the location of the horn fuse and horn relay. :thumbsup:

That's why I ran my new horn through a relay to take the load off the car's circuit...........any decently loud horn will draw more than 15 amps when first activated.
 
#15 ·
A friend w/ a Tucson had warned me about her wimpy horn before I bought mine. Mine isn't horrible... well, it's a little pathetic when I lock the car and it beeps, but at least during the test drive it wasn't too bad.

But you guys got me wondering. Maybe I'll consider a louder horn. (Or an ooga horn, LOL). I'm a non-electrically inclined woman, so this isn't something I'd tackle myself. I doubt the dealer would replace it... or they would charge an arm and a leg. Where would I get something like this done? Audio shop maybe? I'm going to have my local audio shop install a remote starter (had one in my Santa Fe and I miss it). Since they are going to be mucking around in there, would that make it simpler (cheaper) to do?
 
#16 ·
QUOTE (Buerkletucson @ May 17 2011, 04:26 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=447139
It's a 15 amp fuse that's located in the fuse box under the hood.................as your facing the car looking at the engine it's on the far right side inside a black plastic box.
Open it up and it clearly shows the location of the horn fuse and horn relay. :thumbsup:

That's why I ran my new horn through a relay to take the load off the car's circuit...........any decently loud horn will draw more than 15 amps when first activated.

Duh!! Found it. Thanks. I put one of the spare 20 amp fuses in there. If it blows that one, fingers crossed it won't , I will have to resort to a relay.

Thanks for the help
 
#20 ·
QUOTE (wakka @ May 24 2011, 06:17 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=450349
I like the sound of 2010 Sante Fe on youtube
and wonder anyone has replace the stock horn with any Genesis or Sante Fe horn?
I checked and Canadian Dealership charges over CAD $47 for each Hi or Low pitch horn.

After searching and reading reviews and suggestions from different forums, I might just get the
FIAMM 74100 El Grande

People said they are same as the Fiamm Freeway Blaster and Wowo brand too!

Amazon cannot ship to Canada but I can pick it up from Canadian Tire for CAD $37 (both Hi/Low).

Anyone have these horns and would you recommend them?
 
#21 ·
I could not find where to purchase Fiamm horns in Canada except
here <a href="http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/4/Auto/VehicleAccessories/CarHorns/PRD~0202005P/El%252BGrande%252BTwin%252BRed%252BElectric%252BHorns.jsp?locale=en" target="_blank">Canadian Tire
</a>

It's at least have one close to my house.
 
#22 ·
Finally, I've found time to install the Fiamm horns. NO more beebee horn!

Thanks MikDee's picture and instrustions. They're very helpful. :)

I could disassemble it in 15 mins.
It took me longer to to the wire than assemble/disassemble.
I do not want to cut the stock connector so I cut off 2 forked lug connector and connect to the stock connector instead like someone did that on their Sonata.
Replace horn
 
#23 ·
mikedee cool photos. Next week I,ll have my 2012 GL Tucson arrived ( I think so). regarding the harness : take the OEM horn out and drill the 2 rivets that keeps the horn connector in place(they are covered in white or another color silicone). Take 2 pieces of wire and solder them on the original horn connector, well in the holes left after the drilling. ( put some aspirine to degrease the metal). Next thing, you,ll make a paralel connection with the 2 aftermarket horns (The same + lead goes on the + lead of each horn and the - lead goes on both negative terninals on the horns. If the leads are not marked, just put them in the same place for each horn left to left and right to right ) and mount the horns accordingly. Like mikedee said, you<ll not need any relays or fuses or bla, bla. I did this on every Hyundai I owned ( I like to be heard). When I,ll receive my Tucson, I,ll post photos with the making of the harness. This way, You,ll not need to splice the original harness that plugs onto the horn; you will just destroy the OEM horn (whatever, it,s useless)
My 2 cents
 
#25 ·
...horn project....

601ALPHA,
What did you mount those horns on?
That looks good, I want to do that with two silver horns.
How did you access that area?
Did the whole bumper cover have to come off?
Does that grill piece come off easily?