Horn Doesn't Work

[wcdeane]

I've been driving my SE for about 6 months now, and the horn has not worked since day one. Someone almost backed into me the other day, and there was nothing I could do but sit there and watch the near miss. So, I figure it's time to fix the horn.

I get absolutely nothing from the horn buttons on the steering wheel. The fuse is OK. I know where the relay is at, but I don't know how to test it. I also know where the air horns are at, and I know where the compressor is at, but I don't know how to get to it.

Can anyone offer tips on trouble shooting and solving this problem?

[cnh1990]

The compressor is behind the left light pod behind a short bulkhead wall and is held on by a single bolt. Once you remove the bolt the compressor slide it up on the bracket and it will come loose. All there is is two electrical spade connectors and a clear air hose going into a plastic T that splits the air to the two horns located behind the left air dam ducts. To remove the horns themselves lay on the ground and look at the under pan behind the oil cooler ducts. You will see a black plastic cover held on by a few sheet metal screws on the back side. Undo those and drop the back side down and pull the cover backwards to the rear of the car. This will expose the horns. The horns are connected together with a metal strap with a bolt in the middle. undo the bold and both horns will come out. New compressor with dual horns cost 20 buck from Checker or Pep boys or other discount auto chain. I got a pair of Hella's. Take the old horns with you to the store to size them as they are on the small size and the larger ones will not fit. Save the metal bracket from the OEM horns and mount the replacements using them. Also the horns themselves may be stopped up you can fill then with water and shoot air from a compressor through the horns to clean the debris out also. Compressors don't usually go out but since they came with the horns I used it. I had to use a pair of side cutters and modify the new compressor mount point but it was plastic and easy to cut away. Then it bolted right up in the OEM position.
Good luck,
Calvin

[wcdeane]

Thanks Calvin.

That is great info. I didn't know that it was so easy to get after market parts for this.

But, what troubles me most is access to the compressor. I know where the darn thing is at, but I can't figure out how to get to it. Can you offer some detail on how to get to it? Do I need to remove the ABS pressure accumulator? Is there a secret panel that I just can't see?

Walt, '91 SE

[cnh1990]

there is a single exposed screw head that is in plain sight. It is the compressor that is behind the fiberglass that you can not see. Undo the screw and reach around for the compressor slide the compressor up and off the bracket that holds it in place.
Calvin

[adrianmugridge]

The other thing you can do is take the horns off and give the nut on the end of the diaphram a spray with WD40 ( is it called that in the US ? ) and then give it a few turns. The thing gets rusty and seezes up. But, they are only £20 in the UK, so no doubt $20 where you are,so maybe a new horn would be just as easy.

Adrian
www.adrianmugridge.co.uk

[wcdeane]

Thanks for the input, guys.

Calvin: Check the photos near the end of my web site. My guess is that your car is non-ABS. In which case, you will be able to see my problem. The pressure accumulator on '91+ SEs obstructs free access to the horn compressor. My guess is that I will have to move it out of the way. That being the case, I may wait to fix the horn until I either replace my bad pressure accumulator, or convert my ABS brakes to Std. brakes.

www.abstractsbywdeane.com/Lotus.htm

[cnh1990]

That sucks, the attachment screw is right behind the side wall where the accumilator is. When you press the horn do you get a humming sound from the compressor area? If you do the compressor might be okay. The horns get junk in them was the way thay are mounted so good chance they are gunked up. The way I unblocked it was the same way KFM unblocked his too. we pumped soapy water and blew it dry with an air tank or a shop compressor set at low. The ABS on Esprit's are terrible anyways. They are okay on traffic but be going around a turn fast, use the brake, hit a bump like a manhole cover or a washboard and the front end will pop up and the abs will engage and not stop for a while. Mowing grass just off the track apron is not fun. Man is that scary.
Calvin

[jasonhepp]

You have probably done this already but thought I would say anyway. I had the same thing for my car although it sounded like a wounded whale but not very load. You should ensure that its the compressor but simply removing the tubes and checking to see if air comes out when the horn is pressed. My horns were full or dust and dirt. I replaced them and they work O.K. althought the air compressor is a bit wonky and I have a spare compressor for that which I will fit shortly.

Jason

[wcdeane]

I get nothing out of the horn buttons on the steering wheel. No sound whatsoever... no buzz or hummm... nothing. And yes, I disconnected the surgical hose from the horns and tested them by injecting air directly. They had a little dust in them, but they both work fine. My guess is that it is the compressor. Thanks for the support.

[cnh1990]

I guess if you want a quick fix buy a air horn compressor and jump it in to the horn relay and hook up the hoses till you can remove the ABS unit out of the way and remount it in the correct position.
Calvin

[wcdeane]

Good point! I can put the replacement compressor just about anywhere I want.

Thanks, Calvin!

[wcdeane]

I got lucky.

Some where in the process of blowing out the horns, and inspecting the relay, the horns desided to start working aggain. Go figure.

[lotusguy]

wcdeane said: I got lucky.

Some where in the process of blowing out the horns, and inspecting the relay, the horns desided to start working aggain. Go figure.

Hey,

That is good news! My guess? - Corroded prongs or recepticles on the relays. My car is now 17 years old and that's the first thing I check as it is so often found to be the cause. TooT TooT !!... Jim '85TE