Written by: Emily Joswiak • July 23, 2024• Auto

How To Change the Sound of Your Vehicle’s Horn

Changing your vehicle’s horn is yet another opportunity to personalize your ride, but many forget that this option is available. Fortunately, it’s not too hard.

Someone sitting inside an older vehicle and resting their hand on the steering wheel’s horn button.

For vehicle owners looking to add a personal touch to their ride, changing the sound of a vehicle’s horn is a fun and engaging way to do so. Whether you want a new sound or a secondary horn, this guide will walk you through the process.

Before beginning, it’s crucial to note that Florida state law requires vehicle horns to be audible from at least 200 feet away and should not produce an unreasonably loud or harsh sound. If your plans for a customized car horn adhere to that standard, it’s time to dive into how to change the sound of your vehicle’s horn.

Choose Your New Horn Sound

The first step is selecting the sound you want for your vehicle’s horn. There are various options available, from novelty horns that play tunes to louder, more assertive sounds. Make sure your choice complies with Florida state law requirements.

Start by visiting automotive stores or online retailers to explore different horn kits and listen to sound samples. Keep in mind that some sounds might be entertaining but could also be distracting or irritating to other drivers, so you must make a responsible choice.

Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Once you select your preferred horn sound, you can gather the tools and materials you’ll need for the installation. Typically, you’ll need:

The new horn kit
A set of wrenches
Electrical tape
Wire cutters and strippers
A relay (if your new horn requires one)

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the risks of using incompatible electrical connectors before you make any changes to your vehicle. Using the wrong connections can lead to electrical issues or damage your car’s circuitry.

Remove the Old Horn

Next, locate and remove your vehicle’s existing horn. Consult your vehicle’s manual to find the exact location, which is usually near the front bumper or under the hood. Disconnect the horn’s wiring and remove the mounting bolts with a wrench. Be careful not to damage any surrounding components during this process. Keep the old horn and its hardware in case you need to reinstall it later.

Install the New Horn

Now it’s time to install your new horn!

Mount the new horn: Secure the new horn in the same location as the old one, using the provided hardware.
Connect the wiring: Attach the horn’s wires to your vehicle’s wiring system. If your new horn requires additional power, install a relay according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Test the sound: Before securing everything permanently, test the new horn to ensure it works correctly and meets Florida legal requirements. Adjust the positioning if necessary to avoid contact with other engine components.

Changing the sound of your vehicle’s horn can be a rewarding project that adds a unique flair to your ride. By following the steps outlined here, you can safely and effectively make the switch while ensuring compliance with Florida state laws. Now that you know how to change the sound of your vehicle’s horn, it’s time to enjoy your custom sound on the road!

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