Horns not honking

A

Ainokea

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 23, 2008
Messages
184
Fluid Motion Model
C-248 C
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Boston Whaler 170 Montauck
Vessel Name
Ainokea
All right Tugnutters here is my dilemma. I have a 2008 R-25. Recently went to sound the horns prior to shifting in reverse, all I got was a sound akin to someone stepping on a cats tail and fingernails running down a chalkboard. My first thought was ....this could work for halloween. So I tried the horns again and this time zilch. No sound no matter how many times I pressed the switch. I checked the fuse, it was good and as an extra measure I even replaced it . No luck. All connections on back of switch are good. Went up on deck and checked for pesky mud dauber nests in the horn flutes, there were none. Took the horns apart and checked the contacts, they all were clean and moved easily. After doing all of this I tried the horns again and got about 4 seconds of both horns then about 3 seconds of one flute. Tried the horns again and the other flute sounded for about a second. Waited and tried again.... nothing. Waited and tried again and well lets just say it was a note that no music teacher would want to hear. Getting hoarse making horn sounds, any thoughts?

Frank

Ainokea
 
I've had a horn switch/button go bad and not allow adequate amps through to make the horn work right (59 TR3) try bridging the contacts see if that helps. The TR's problem was caused by arcing that created a burnt area on the contacts.

Does your horn have a relay?...some horns take a lot of power and use a relay, it could be problematic. They're seldom marine grade.

Alex
 
Alex

Thanks, that was going to be my next step was too check the drop from switch to horn(s). Not sure if there is a relay , I thought it would be a straight shot circuit from switch to horn(s). I will also check the switch tomorrow for arcing. It seems if you pause for a few minutes from switch activation then try again you will get some sound but it doesnt last long. My slip mates are not all that happy with the latest concert I provided for them today.

Toneless on the river

Frank
 
I sure hope you figure it out...I have a similar problem but haven't started the diagnosis yet. Intermittently on Island Ranger - only one of the two horns sound. It isn't an impressive sound....

Mac
 
I Just looked at the 25's schematic and there doesn't seem to be a relay (like on car horns) . Doesn't always mean there's no relay just isn't one on the schematic may be built into the horn, may not need one....Good luck!

After all is said and done, it's probably simplest to just run to WalMart or NAPA, pick up their cheapest horn, temporarily hook it up, and see what happens.... the probability is that your boat's original horn has bit the dust. most of the horns on boats aren't marine grade (they may say "marine", and come from a marine store or supplier, may even have a cute little decorative anchor, but 90% are made for trucks and just re-labeled as Marine.)
 
The Mis Dee had that problem. The problem horn was replaced under warranty. Check your paper work and contact the manufactor.
captd
 
In my days here, I have heard of a couple units going bad. This sounds like the case with you. The horns are a "Ongaro" model # 10028. On the package it says "Five Year Warranty." Contact information (717)-431-2316. If you have any trouble, please call me and I will help make it happen. Hope this information helps!
 
Hmmmm - I must take note on this one..... Make note to self and in my log book to always test horn(s) before setting sail. 😉 LOL
 
Same problem here. I thought maybe salt water had gotten into the horn. I took one apart and lubed it with WD-40 and it seems to be working now. However, I will look into the warranty as it is unsafe in my area to go boating without a horn since there is a narrow gate we must go through to get out into the bay and you really can't see who is coming in so you have to sound a warning.

Doug K.
Nauti Dream
 
UPDATE!!!!

Went to the boat yesterday with a buddy who was going to help with the horns. Activated the horn switch and voila both flutes were working ......tried several times through out the afternoon varying the length of time of activation and they both worked each time. In fact I think this is the first time they have both worked since I have owned the boat as the sound was fuller than it ever was. I am now thinking of setting out a couple Gremlin traps on board as this is the only theory I have ........

I hate intermittent issues!

Frank
 
Gremlins. Hmmmm. Anyone know where Andrew was Wednesday night?
 
I have had some problem with our horns on our 2007 R-25. Both times were after we had towed the boat 100 + miles. The first time we had blown a fuse and after replacing this, it slowly started to work. My question is, are we getting water in the horn or something that has to work it's way clear. Mine is working fine now, but I check it when we start up.
 
Just an idea. Low voltage will show the same symptoms I think.


Howard
 
I had similar problem on Lobo. Sent an email to lmm@schmittsteering.com -- the horn company. She responded with a pdf file on how to fix them. If I was smart I would attach it to this posting. If you email me davidtrace@shaw.ca I'll forward her email to you.

Dave
 
dave

sent u a prvt e mail

frank
 
Had the horn problem as well on our 29. Called the company (Schmidt and Ongaro Marine Products).
Spoke to Amy. She sent me a return authorization within the hour.

Chris
 
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