MOT failure - horn not loud enough... help please!

[Gavla80]

Hi - just been told my van has failed its MOT as the horn isn't loud enough to be heard by another road user.

After a quick search on here I've seen a few posts about aftermarket horns but I just want to know what's the quickest/cheapest way to put this right please

Is this a common problem with these vehicles? If so, what's usually the cause?

[nobbyfox]

Is it an old circular type? Then i think they have a screw at the back which regulates the tone.
If its screwed in too much it could smother the intensity. Worth a try.
A new one could be purchased from Halfords or preferably a knowledgeable car spares place. Shouldn't be too expensive.

Regards
Steve

[Gavla80]

Is it an old circular type? Then i think they have a screw at the back which regulates the tone.
If its screwed in too much it could smother the intensity. Worth a try.
A new one could be purchased from Halfords or preferably a knowledgeable car spares place. Shouldn't be too expensive.

Regards
Steve

Thanks Steve.

I don't know what type of horn it is to be honest, I've not had the van long enough to get that intimate!

It's still in at the garage where it had the MOT done as I won't be able to pick it up 'til tomorrow so I've just asked the mechanic to fix/replace the horn anyway. I was lucky enough to find a garage within 5 miles of my home where the owner has two very nice Bays (and a beetle hotrod) of his own There were another customer's Bay and a Splitty parked outside when I dropped my van off last night so I trust he knows what he's doing with these old VWs...

Gav

[nevill3]

My poor horn was due to the earth point at the base of the steering column behind the pedals beeing loose. It is just a spade connector and it had come off and was just resting against its terminal. Probably pulled off when cleaning the cab mats. I crimped it a little and pushed it back on and the horn was as good as new.

[eiret25]

Mine was fairly low and sounded a somewhat sick tone when used, took off the wires near the horn, cleaned off the contacts, replaced and now 100%.

[kevtherev]

it's usually a bad earth or a poor contact

[Hacksawbob]

Check the spring terminal under the steering wheel as well, it maintains contact as it rotates.