Horn switch current rating

PeteCo · Dec 15, 2024

The horn on my 1986 90 has failed - definitely the horn, as there is voltage to the connectors.

So I need to replace it, and would rather fit a High/Low twin horn pair. This effectively doubles the current being drawn, but is the standard horn switch up to it ?
I can add a relay and switch that if necessary, but I think some Defenders came with twin horns from the factory - did they all use the same switch ?

Thanks,

Pete

Anaconda · Dec 15, 2024

I think the early ones had one horn behind the grille. I used a relay when fitting an extra horn to be on the safe side, easy enough.
You don't need a new switch.

miktdish · Dec 15, 2024

+1 for a relay.

PeteCo · Dec 15, 2024

Ok, I am familiar with car electrics, but not Defender electrics. Where is the best place to take a new fused feed from for the horn relay that I add ?

Thanks,

Pete

Stanleysteamer · Dec 15, 2024

I had a friend whose batt on his Series kept running flat to the point where he started it all the time with the handle.
He asked me to look at it and eventually I found that he had wired in his horn by twisting the wires together and covering the join with sellotape.
Of course this gave up the ghost and, as the horns were permanently live, switched by a switch to earth, he had a nearly permanent leak to earth.

Anaconda · Dec 15, 2024

PeteCo said:
Ok, I am familiar with car electrics, but not Defender electrics. Where is the best place to take a new fused feed from for the horn relay that I add ?

Thanks,

Pete

I fitted an additional fuse box to power any/all additional bolt on tat/modifications. You could run a separate inline fuse if you choose maybe.

Phill · Dec 15, 2024

You only use your horn for a half second once in a blue moon. Is a relay really necessary?
My horn failed so I just hooked up a High/Low from a BMW to the existing wiring.

kermit_rr · Dec 15, 2024

Saves burning the contacts in the switch. When was the last time you checked the horn actually works? MOT?

Anaconda · Dec 15, 2024

kermit_rr said:
Saves burning the contacts in the switch. When was the last time you checked the horn actually works? MOT?

Everytime I see a nice looking lady walking down the street .....................
.....................

in my mind!

Horn switch current rating

PeteCo

Member

Anaconda

Well-Known Member

miktdish

Guns n Chainsaws

PeteCo

Member

Stanleysteamer

Well-Known Member

Anaconda

Well-Known Member

Phill

Member

kermit_rr

Very

Anaconda

Well-Known Member

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