Can the horn sound become louder again after water ingress reduces its volume?
2 Answers
Yes, it can become louder. Once the moisture inside the horn evaporates, the sound of the horn will return to normal. Generally, if the water ingress is not severe, no excessive treatment is necessary, and the moisture inside the horn can be left to evaporate naturally. Disassembly and Cleaning: Directly disassemble the horn and thoroughly clean out the moisture inside. Since most vehicle horns are located inside the bumper, it is difficult to remove the horn without removing the bumper. Therefore, disassembly and cleaning should be performed at a professional 4S shop. Replacement: For horns damaged by severe water ingress, the only solution is to replace the component.
Last week when I was driving in heavy rain, my car horn also got water inside, making the sound muffled and weak. At first, I was quite worried, thinking it was done for. But don't panic, I found a dry place to park, opened the engine hood, let the car sit in the sun for a while, and then used a hair dryer to dry the horn's contacts. After about half a day, the sound returned to normal. The water ingress happened because water droplets got stuck in the horn's diaphragm, preventing it from vibrating properly. Once dried, it could vibrate freely again. Regularly check if the horn cover's sealing ring is aged, as aging makes it prone to water ingress. If the sound remains weak after drying, the internal circuit might be corroded, and you'll need to replace the horn. Before driving in rainy weather, it's best to test the horn to ensure safety.