Horn Does Not Work

[klyush]

Just bought a used 2007 RX400H and found that horn does not work properly. It creates a sound, but gives ~10 times less sound than required.

I have cheched the fuse. It's OK. Also, the alarm produces good sound, so the horns are fine. Could it be a relay or switcher problem? if so wehere they located? I have another RH400h where I removed all visible switchers (2 boxes with fuses), but they seems to have no effect on sound.

Any idea? Thanks

[maseace]

Could there be something stuffed in the horns to muffle the sound?

[klyush]

No, both horns work fine (loud, clear and vibrate) when alarm is in Panic mode.

[RX400h]

My guess, then would be the switch in the steering wheel. However, you must really know what you're doing when disassembling a steering wheel with airbag inside. I would leave that to professionals.

[klyush]

Interesting experience: I connected the horns directly to battery (despite alarm was working fine). The sound was low, so something was with the horns or there are 2 relays from alarm and horn itself. Then I changes one horn from another Lexus (I have 2) and it was working fine. So, I removed horns and paid attention that water is leaking from one of them. It appears that horns have minor holes in the body and somehow water was collected inside. I stressed the horns and removed at least some water and connected them back to the battery. They are working somewhat better, but still need some drying. I think the water could penetrate in the horns during high pressure washing.

[cduluk]

This happened to me before, only on my Rx300!!

I had just finished one of my projects and noticed that the horn suddenly dropped in intensity, maybe half as loud. I don't remember the specifics, but i know there wasn't anything wrong with the horns themselves.

I think i had just removed/installed the steering wheel, and i didn't hook it back up properly. BUT... i could be wrong, as it was a few years ago.

Not sure if they're related, but the symptoms sure sound the same.

[RX400h]

Interesting experience: I connected the horns directly to battery (despite alarm was working fine). The sound was low, so something was with the horns or there are 2 relays from alarm and horn itself. Then I changes one horn from another Lexus (I have 2) and it was working fine. So, I removed horns and paid attention that water is leaking from one of them. It appears that horns have minor holes in the body and somehow water was collected inside. I stressed the horns and removed at least some water and connected them back to the battery. They are working somewhat better, but still need some drying. I think the water could penetrate in the horns during high pressure washing.

....another reason why it is never a good idea to hose down a modern engine! (I realize you bought your car, used, so most likely the previous owner is the culprit.)