Bad connection?

[nealblath]

just bought a new horn from z-power as the old one was definitely kaput! (tested it straight across the battery)

new one doesn't work when connected to proper wires although it does across the battery!

just had multimeter across the wires and when horn button is pressed I am only getting 5.5v across the wires........any help appreciated!

[z1bman]

remove the black wire to the horn + leave the brown connected. turn on the ignition + short the other connection to the horn to a good earth. if the horn works you probably have bad contact at the horn button or the lh switch is not earthing to the handlebars. you should have 12v at the brown wire to the horn when ignition is on + a connection to a good earth

[ADRIAN H]

Have you replaced the original switch gear, with a new pattern switch gear. I did and the horn button was not earthing properly on the switch. Ended up soldering an extra wire inside the switch gear to ensure a good earth.

[Zed man]

The horn should be live, as when you press the horn button it, earth's out and works. i don't know why they do it that way? I restore suzuki gt switches, and they do it that way too. Kawasaki and suzuki share some of the same parts. Make sure you have a good earth, at the new switch.

[Z903]

For what it's worth and I can't see what difference it should make....
I fitted a used horn on my project bike and it didn't work, just made a slight "crack" noise. Reversed the wires and it's works like a beaut!

[nealblath]

I have had the handlebar clamps powder coated and I am just wondering if I didn't clean off the powder where the handlebars sit, would that make a bad earth?

[Zed man]

YEP! Run a wire , from the frame/bolt , and touch it on the screw of the switch, and then press the horn button.

[Big John]

Have you tried adjusting the it?

[nealblath]

[quote="Zed man"]YEP! Run a wire , from the frame/bolt , and touch it on the screw of the switch, and then press the horn button. [/quote

yep......it works when I do that thanks