Horn Swap to Premium horn

[cvx5832LC]

Swapped the horn out to something more appropriate to the vehicle’s size. Easy swap, doesn’t even deserve a DIY if I’m being honest. Tip: The pins push in then just pops out, allowing you to remove the access panel to the horns in 30 sec, if that.

The mounting arm on the horn you buy may need to be repositioned to vertical.

 

[alcruiser222]

Nice. Can you link to where you purchased?

 

[kruising]

The video!

 

[cvx5832LC]

Tons on eBay. Get from the highly rated ones as they tend to ship quicker.

If using this one, pay attention to the horn locations. While the high and low look similar, they’re side specific in that the horn will get in the way of proper cable routing if swapped.

 

[ZeaStardust]

Swapped the horn out to something more appropriate to the vehicle’s size. Easy swap, doesn’t even deserve a DIY if I’m being honest. Tip: The pins push in then just pops out, allowing you to remove the access panel to the horns in 30 sec, if that.



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The mounting arm on the horn you buy may need to be repositioned to vertical.

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Thanks for the heads up regarding the push pins.

 

[alcruiser222]

Knocked this out this morning! So worth it. Probably 20 minutes total.

Couple other tips:

1. you do not have to touch/modify the factory harness at all. truly plug and play.
2. 13mm flat spanner is needed to reposition the brackets on the premium horns, this was the most difficult part of the job with the flat locknut.

 

[Proyota]

Knocked this out this morning! So worth it. Probably 20 minutes total.

Couple other tips:

1. you do not have to touch/modify the factory harness at all. truly plug and play.
2. 13mm flat spanner is needed to reposition the brackets on the premium horns, this was the most difficult part of the job with the flat locknut.

Pretty sure it is a 12mm

 

[alcruiser222]

I know the fixing bolts to the chassis are 12mm but recall the flat locknuts on the horn being larger. I could certainly be misremembering and wrong.

Regardless its a bit delicate to break the flat locknuts on the horn body loose, I felt like I was going to break the plastic horn body overcoming the torque.

 

[Proyota]

I know the fixing bolts to the chassis are 12mm but recall the flat locknuts on the horn being larger. I could certainly be misremembering and wrong.

Regardless its a bit delicate to break the flat locknuts on the horn body loose, I felt like I was going to break the plastic horn body overcoming the torque.

Gotcha - I didn’t wrench on the horns, just the brackets.

 

[BossEvelope]

I know the fixing bolts to the chassis are 12mm but recall the flat locknuts on the horn being larger. I could certainly be misremembering and wrong.

Regardless it’s a bit delicate to break the flat locknuts on the horn body loose, I felt like I was going to break the plastic horn body overcoming the torque.

I had the same experience. I tried the screw in the middle of the locknut first and it wouldn’t budge and it started to get chewed up. I then tried the locknut and it took a while before it came loose because it’s hard to grip. I thought I was going to break the horn plastic but all good in the end. Keep trying the locknut and it will eventually come loose.

 

[cvx5832LC]

What worked for me was locking the bracket in a vise. Then I could hold the horn and ratchet, one on each hand.

 

[ChillLC]

Just did mine... Ebay from Japan in 3 days.
15 minute swap.
Hint to hold bracket in vise to loosen the locknut was a good one, thanks.
Lock nut 14mm socket.
Mounting bolts 12mm socket.
I peeled off the labels so now the horns are invisible behind the grill.

Clown car be gone!

 

[winnrider]

What worked for me was locking the bracket in a vise. Then I could hold the horn and ratchet, one on each hand.

this is the way

 

[Kiet2k]

Swapped the horn out to something more appropriate to the vehicle’s size. Easy swap, doesn’t even deserve a DIY if I’m being honest. Tip: The pins push in then just pops out, allowing you to remove the access panel to the horns in 30 sec, if that.



View attachment 10809

View attachment 10811

View attachment 10812

View attachment 10810

View attachment 10813
The mounting arm on the horn you buy may need to be repositioned to vertical.

View attachment 10814

Anyone else notice your 'security' license plate bolts? I love it. I've done something similar on my previous truck, but those torx bolts look solid.

 

[cvx5832LC]

They're 10.9 grade transmission pan bolts from my wife's transmission service. The filter kit came with new bolts so I replaced them and I got a ton of these M8s M6s around the garage haha. You're right. They're solid bolts.

 

[juuuiiiice]

Is there any need to disconnect the battery when doing the horn swap?

 

[ChillLC]

No need at all. Just a plastic connector so no danger of short circuit.

 

[Kiet2k]

Is there any need to disconnect the battery when doing the horn swap?

Nope, unless someone is leaning on the horn while you are trying to plug them in.

 

[Stage7]

Swapped mine out as well and I'm very satisfied.
I no longer sound like "I'm apologising to say excuse me" when I use the horn.

 

[Kiet2k]

Swapped mine out as well and I'm very satisfied.
I no longer sound like "I'm apologising to say excuse me" when I use the horn.

Right!? LOL. I found out my sister's RAV4 Prime have the same apologetic horns.