Project Seven: Fixing the Horns

Getting Started

  Time Estimate (conservatively high)
         2 Hours

  Tools, Equipment and Facilities You'll Need
            - Phillips head screwdriver
            - Flat head screwdriver
            - Small wire brush
            - 10 mm wrench
            - Volt meter capable of measuring electrical continuity
 

  Stuff to Buy
            - Any tools listed above that you may not already have
            - One high tone and one low tone horn from either a DMC supplier or your local auto parts store

  Final Preparation
            Before beginning you may want to cover the ground in front of your DeLorean with something comfortable to lay on, as you will have to get down pretty low, to be able to see where and how the horns attach to the car.

Digging In

  Step One - Removal of Old Horns
     The most common problem with DeLorean horns are that the horns themselves are weak and/or worn out.  Therefore I am recommending replacement of the old horns with new ones as my method for fixing them.  If, however, you determine that your horns are still in good working condition, you may want to skip right to my "further troubleshooting" section to track down other less common problems.  Otherwise read on for the removal and installation procedures.  
     The bracket and horn assemblies are located on the left and right underside of the car towards the front.  Locate the single spade connector providing current to each horn and dissconnect them by pulling each away from the horn assemblies.  Locate the single 10 mm nut on top of each horn retaining them to their brackets and remove them.  The horns are now loose and should fall right out. You may want to retain the old horns just in case you determine that they are not the source of your problem during the next step.      

  Step Two - Testing the Socket for Continuity and Voltage Reading
 

    Step Three - Installing the New Horns
  To install the new horns on your DeLorean, simply unwrap the store bought horns, screw them in place on your car, and reconnect the electrical spade connector.  You will notice that the left side accomodates only the high tone horn and vice versa for the right side.  This is done so that both horns face forward after installation.    

  Step Four - Testing the New Horns
  This is the "fun" part.  The DeLorean horn switch is mounted on the left accesory arm branching away from the steering column directly forward of the steering wheel.  It is operated by pressing the end of this arm in towards the steering column.  Doing this should immediately activate the horn.  If you are still having trouble with it working properly check some of the other known trouble spots listed below.  Otherwise you are now finished with this project!  

  Step Five - Further Troubleshooting (if needed)
  The DeLorean horn circuit is setup as follows: