How to replace the horn on an MK5 - VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum

ianc1990 · 07-16-2009, 01:26 PM

Hi,

I have just bought an 06 1.9 TDI Golf.

Everything is pretty good so far but there is one thing I just cannot stand...

My horn!!!

It sounds like it should be comming from a little old granny car!! The sound is just so high and gay!

Iv searched and searched for posts on the internet but cannot find anything!

Does anyone know the simplest way to make the horn sound 'manlier' and more along the lines of what it should sound like on a golf?

I was thinking of replacing it but im not sure on how to actualy get to it and take it out/put another one back in.

Can anyone provide any details on how I can physically take it out, and what horn I could buy(with a better sound)

Im from the UK so horns from english locations would be much easier for me to purchase!

Thanks in advanced!

Sothis · 07-17-2009, 05:23 AM

hahahah got the same 06 TDI, the horn really sounds gay and reminds me of French cars :D

Ossewa · 07-17-2009, 11:26 AM

One of the smartest guys on this forum is JetTurbo, when I asked a basic question very similar to yours he had no sympathy and advised buying the Bentley manual. So I did and he was 100% correct, you really shouldn't own a MKV without it. It has a photo of the horn locations, there are 2- one low tone the other high tone, and to get at them you have to remove the front bumper. Its a lot of work just to have a different sounding horn, maybe. Cheapest price for the manual is Amazon.

argue53 · 07-17-2009, 11:29 AM

just install train horns, there's all the man power you want lol

GotGTI? · 07-17-2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by argue53

just install train horns, there's all the man power you want lol

x2

i had some installed on a previous car and damn they were loud, had them paired up to my alarm system. it was great.

JetTurbo · 07-17-2009, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ossewa

One of the smartest guys on this forum is JetTurbo, when I asked a basic question very similar to yours he had no sympathy and advised buying the Bentley manual. So I did and he was 100% correct, you really shouldn't own a MKV without it. It has a photo of the horn locations, there are 2- one low tone the other high tone, and to get at them you have to remove the front bumper. Its a lot of work just to have a different sounding horn, maybe. Cheapest price for the manual is Amazon.

Ossewa, thanks for the kind words.

I suspect the ROW Golfs have some variations we do not see.
Makes the Bentley recommendation all the more wise,
as they will get a Bentley with detail for their version.

From their description, I suspect they have a downgraded horn from what is standard in the US market - our twin trumpet version isn't too bad.

09vdubgti · 07-24-2009, 03:44 PM

my mom had a tourag and that horn idk may have been broken or something idk but that thing sounded like a tank or boat horn mad brolic.

nintendodude · 07-24-2009, 04:32 PM

my dad has an 06 Jetta and his horn sounds just like my 08 - for locking and for honking. I had an 06 for a loaner, and it had the pussy horn. locking sounded muffled and "gay" and honking sounded like I was "just kidding"

I wonder what they changed?

hkswrxti · 07-24-2009, 11:57 PM

Yes yes, I hate my horn as well.

Also, Every time I lock the car, it sounded so stupid. So I went into the MFD and turned it off. Now no sound comes out

mose6161 · 07-25-2009, 12:03 AM

doesn't take a bently manual to find the horns. i'm sure most people would tell you, take your bumper off and they are to the left and right of your radiator, down pretty low.

i don't know if you could fit an aftermarket horn in there, but maybe they come with relocation kits.

ObeyMyFast! · 07-25-2009, 06:43 AM

yea, i want a train horn :D

nintendodude · 07-25-2009, 10:52 AM

replace the low tone horn with a train horn pointed to the rear in the engine bay somewhere. replace the hight tone horn with the OEM chirper and code it to work.

09vdubgti · 07-26-2009, 05:21 PM

now this is a horn.

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/L...The_696856.htm

ViRtUaLheretic · 07-27-2009, 03:34 PM

ROFL that horn is AWESOME

GodSquadMandrake · 07-27-2009, 04:45 PM

That horn is ridiculous. 9.3 miles?! haha that is like a sonic weapon.

I still say the Griots garage air horns are the best:

They may not be the "loudest in the world" but 139 DB has got to be pretty freaking ear shattering.

http://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/Grio...5_FAM?$detail$

ianc1990 · 08-10-2009, 07:54 AM

Ok,

Sounds like the bumper has to come off.

Does anyone have any instructions on this?

Also, what horn would you recommend...any links to any websites?

I think I only have one horn because when i lock my car, i dont get any beeps and i wont be too bothered about my alarm (never heard it go off before)

Thanks

JetTurbo · 08-10-2009, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianc1990

...
I think I only have one horn because when i lock my car, i dont get any beeps and i wont be too bothered about my alarm (never heard it go off before)

Thanks

Pretty sure that is unrelated.
Typically if alarm stops beeping, the car is not fully locked (defective switch, etc) or it was turned off with hi-line MFD or VAG-COM.

I always thought the alarm horn was separate from the main horn.
The alarm horn is behind the right front fender liner and the main horn(s) are behind the front bumper about where the fog lights are / would be.

Cadbury · 08-10-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianc1990

Ok,

Sounds like the bumper has to come off.

Does anyone have any instructions on this?

Also, what horn would you recommend...any links to any websites?

I think I only have one horn because when i lock my car, i dont get any beeps and i wont be too bothered about my alarm (never heard it go off before)

Thanks

I briefly go over the removal of the front bumper in my Water Injection Install DIY: http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85181

You'll need to open the PDF.

-Cad

ianc1990 · 08-13-2009, 05:55 AM

Just rang a VW dealership thats located about 1 mile away from where I work.

The guy seemed pretty confused...

After I gave him my registration number, he said 'yes the 1.9's only come with a high-tone horn'

Then I asked him to price up the low-tone for me and he came back saying 'are you sure your low-tone is plugged in properly because its odd for Golf's not to have one'

Anyway ... I have ordered a low-tone for £28.97 - not a bad price for a bit of manliness I guess.

I actually ordered 2 because the guy said there are 2 makes so I will have to take them both and see what I need (match it up to the high-tone I already have) then return the unfitted one.

Hopefully the wiring for the low-tone is already there - it will save me alot of time searching posts!

Treadmarks · 08-13-2009, 08:25 AM

I had a set old stebel magnum TM-80 marine horns from an old motorcycle project. My 09 GTI TSI horns are behind the fog light grills. I didn't realize this until I replaced them with open fog grills. It was about a 30 minute job to replace both the low and high tone horns. Outside the car the difference is huge. Inside the car they are a little bit louder. They are considerably larger than the stocker but still fit with a little bending on the bracket. They are black in color and look factory after the installation. You will need to cut the horn plug off the factory harness and replace with standard female spade connectors. The opening can be directed towards the front to project the blast forward. Not a train horn, but they are a heckofalot better than the beep beep sheit that came on the gti.

ianc1990 · 08-18-2009, 08:33 AM

.......i just couldnt wait until saturday soo....

I managed to remove the passenger side fog light grille without taking out the bumper.

Behind it was a bracket that held the horn using a nut.

I just removed the high tone and put the low tone in.

Sounds a little better now, but not as good as i expected it too.

I removed the other fog light grille and had a look around but couldnt find any other brackets/connections for another horn so im sticking with the low tone for now.

Might put an aftermarket in there one day!

07-16-2009, 01:26 PM	#1
ianc1990 Go Kart Newbie Drives: 2006 1.9 TDI Black Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: York Posts: 26	How to replace the horn on an MK5 Hi, I have just bought an 06 1.9 TDI Golf. Everything is pretty good so far but there is one thing I just cannot stand... My horn!!! It sounds like it should be comming from a little old granny car!! The sound is just so high and gay! Iv searched and searched for posts on the internet but cannot find anything! Does anyone know the simplest way to make the horn sound 'manlier' and more along the lines of what it should sound like on a golf? I was thinking of replacing it but im not sure on how to actualy get to it and take it out/put another one back in. Can anyone provide any details on how I can physically take it out, and what horn I could buy(with a better sound) Im from the UK so horns from english locations would be much easier for me to purchase! Thanks in advanced!

07-17-2009, 05:23 AM	#2
Sothis Diesel power Drives: '06 TDI Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Wroclaw Posts: 345 View Sothis's Garage	hahahah got the same 06 TDI, the horn really sounds gay and reminds me of French cars :D __________________ sothis

07-17-2009, 11:29 AM	#4
argue53 FIA GT Champion Drives: 08 Black 5sp Rabbit Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: North NJ Posts: 1,229	just install train horns, there's all the man power you want lol __________________ Bryant 08 Black Rabbit, 2 door, 5 spd, 17in Kartho rims on Toyo Proxies, 16in Steelies on Conti Winter tires, Eibach springs, GTI brake upgrade, res & mid muffler delete, BSH intake, K&N filter, Polyurethane Torque Arm insert, Votex bodykit, R32 tails, tinted windows, H7 bulbs, LED strips, smoked sidemarkers, Prem 7HU, 12in JL Audio Sub/ Orion amp, Custom interior, gutted out rear, stubby antenna, VAG'd...

07-24-2009, 11:57 PM	#9
hkswrxti /black magic Drives: 07 BMP GTI Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 3,806	Yes yes, I hate my horn as well. Also, Every time I lock the car, it sounded so stupid. So I went into the MFD and turned it off. Now no sound comes out __________________ hkswrxti http://www.flickr.com/photos/avhoangy/

07-27-2009, 03:34 PM	#14
ViRtUaLheretic Word to your mother Drives: 2009 VW GTI BMP Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: St. Louis Posts: 3,946	ROFL that horn is AWESOME __________________ ::APR stock/91/93/100::BSH Race Intake::BSH VTA Race Can::BSH Motor Mounts::BSH Pendulum Mount:: ::BSH TB Pipe::Devils Own DVC-30 w/m kit::Neuspeed Insert::Neuspeed SS Brake Lines:: ::DEFI gauge::17x8 Flik FTDs::BFG 235x45x17 rubber:: paitentially waiting for TSI mods..... Read this for TSI INFO/FAQ

07-17-2009, 11:26 AM	#3
Ossewa Voortrekker's GTI Drives: '08 GTI, fsi, 6mt, bmp. Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: City of Champions, PA Posts: 25	One of the smartest guys on this forum is JetTurbo, when I asked a basic question very similar to yours he had no sympathy and advised buying the Bentley manual. So I did and he was 100% correct, you really shouldn't own a MKV without it. It has a photo of the horn locations, there are 2- one low tone the other high tone, and to get at them you have to remove the front bumper. Its a lot of work just to have a different sounding horn, maybe. Cheapest price for the manual is Amazon.

07-24-2009, 03:44 PM	#7
09vdubgti Insurgents are coming Drives: United Grey Gti 5dr Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ GSP 136 Posts: 6,073	my mom had a tourag and that horn idk may have been broken or something idk but that thing sounded like a tank or boat horn mad brolic.

07-24-2009, 04:32 PM	#8
nintendodude Banned Drives: 2008 Jetta Wolfsburg DSG Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: MN Posts: 4,989	my dad has an 06 Jetta and his horn sounds just like my 08 - for locking and for honking. I had an 06 for a loaner, and it had the pussy horn. locking sounded muffled and "gay" and honking sounded like I was "just kidding" I wonder what they changed?

07-25-2009, 12:03 AM	#10
mose6161 OUT OF COMMISION Drives: . Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: . Posts: 9,140	doesn't take a bently manual to find the horns. i'm sure most people would tell you, take your bumper off and they are to the left and right of your radiator, down pretty low. i don't know if you could fit an aftermarket horn in there, but maybe they come with relocation kits.

07-25-2009, 06:43 AM	#11
ObeyMyFast! ^Who I am...What I say-> Drives: '09 Black Magic Four-Door GTI Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Diego Posts: 3,325	yea, i want a train horn :D

07-25-2009, 10:52 AM	#12
nintendodude Banned Drives: 2008 Jetta Wolfsburg DSG Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: MN Posts: 4,989	replace the low tone horn with a train horn pointed to the rear in the engine bay somewhere. replace the hight tone horn with the OEM chirper and code it to work.

07-26-2009, 05:21 PM	#13
09vdubgti Insurgents are coming Drives: United Grey Gti 5dr Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NJ GSP 136 Posts: 6,073	now this is a horn. http://videos.streetfire.net/video/L...The_696856.htm

07-27-2009, 04:45 PM	#15
GodSquadMandrake FIA GT Champion Drives: '86 RX7, '91 Legacy, '06 GTI Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Fairbanks, AK Posts: 1,244	That horn is ridiculous. 9.3 miles?! haha that is like a sonic weapon. I still say the Griots garage air horns are the best: They may not be the "loudest in the world" but 139 DB has got to be pretty freaking ear shattering. http://s7d4.scene7.com/is/image/Grio...5_FAM?$detail$

08-10-2009, 07:54 AM	#16
ianc1990 Go Kart Newbie Drives: 2006 1.9 TDI Black Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: York Posts: 26	Ok, Sounds like the bumper has to come off. Does anyone have any instructions on this? Also, what horn would you recommend...any links to any websites? I think I only have one horn because when i lock my car, i dont get any beeps and i wont be too bothered about my alarm (never heard it go off before) Thanks

08-13-2009, 05:55 AM	#19
ianc1990 Go Kart Newbie Drives: 2006 1.9 TDI Black Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: York Posts: 26	Just rang a VW dealership thats located about 1 mile away from where I work. The guy seemed pretty confused... After I gave him my registration number, he said 'yes the 1.9's only come with a high-tone horn' Then I asked him to price up the low-tone for me and he came back saying 'are you sure your low-tone is plugged in properly because its odd for Golf's not to have one' Anyway ... I have ordered a low-tone for £28.97 - not a bad price for a bit of manliness I guess. I actually ordered 2 because the guy said there are 2 makes so I will have to take them both and see what I need (match it up to the high-tone I already have) then return the unfitted one. Hopefully the wiring for the low-tone is already there - it will save me alot of time searching posts!

Today
GolfMKV	Sponsored Links __________________

08-13-2009, 08:25 AM	#20
Treadmarks Oval Newbie Drives: 09 UGM GTI DSG Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: The republic of Miami Posts: 123	I had a set old stebel magnum TM-80 marine horns from an old motorcycle project. My 09 GTI TSI horns are behind the fog light grills. I didn't realize this until I replaced them with open fog grills. It was about a 30 minute job to replace both the low and high tone horns. Outside the car the difference is huge. Inside the car they are a little bit louder. They are considerably larger than the stocker but still fit with a little bending on the bracket. They are black in color and look factory after the installation. You will need to cut the horn plug off the factory harness and replace with standard female spade connectors. The opening can be directed towards the front to project the blast forward. Not a train horn, but they are a heckofalot better than the beep beep sheit that came on the gti. __________________ TREADMARKS Find out how much of that stuff it takes to kill me, then let's back off just a little bit. 2009 UGM GTI 4dr, APR ST1 93 EMCS, DG Panzer Skid Plate, Carbonio, Tig N/P Delete, Muffler Delete, City LEDs, Euro Switch, Vagged Silly, XY Fog/FTP. 2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S 2006 XB12XBuell Ulysses 2005 HD Fuel Injected Supercharged Nightrain Ford F150 4x2 Lifted 1996 Candy Laser Red Metallic SVT Cobra

08-18-2009, 08:33 AM	#21
ianc1990 Go Kart Newbie Drives: 2006 1.9 TDI Black Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: York Posts: 26	.......i just couldnt wait until saturday soo.... I managed to remove the passenger side fog light grille without taking out the bumper. Behind it was a bracket that held the horn using a nut. I just removed the high tone and put the low tone in. Sounds a little better now, but not as good as i expected it too. I removed the other fog light grille and had a look around but couldnt find any other brackets/connections for another horn so im sticking with the low tone for now. Might put an aftermarket in there one day!