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2010 Mazda 3: Wimpy Horn Upgrade
Time to build the new wiring assembly: 15 - 30 minutes
Time to install the additional horn: 30 - 45 minutes
Tools needed:
Wire Stripper
Flash light
Phillips Head screw driver
10mm Ratchet
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Parts needed:
Assorted Quick Disconnects (with ends that can be crimped)
14 Gauge Automotive Wiring
Electrical Tape (recommend Scotch 33+, temp range is from sub-zero to 221 degrees)
Low tone horn (I chose the cheap $15 FIAMM Freeway Blaster)
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For the wiring harness, I used to two 3” equal pieces of 14 Gauge automotive wiring.
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Twist the two end pieces together and carefully place the MALE disconnect over the wire and crimp. Use the FEMALE disconnects on the other two ends. As a side note (for safety sake), I wrapped all of the connects with electrical tape just to make sure everything was secure. (Forgot to take a pic, so I borrowed the one above from the Mazda3Forums)
INSTALLATION
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Step 1 - Under the right side of the vehicle (directly behind the fog light), remove the three screws holding the plastic flashing cover to the vehicle.
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Step 2 - Push back the piece of plastic
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Step 3 - Look past the plastic housing shielding the fog light.
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Step 4 - See the horn? Looks very similar to the prior generation of the Mazda 3.
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Step 5 & 6 - Remove the plug from the current horn by depressing the center plastic piece on the plug (yes, I was a moron sitting there tugging and complaining. lots of creative language was used until common sense kicked in) :stupid:
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Step 7 - I chose to leave the bracket attached to the car, instead removing the bolt attaching the horn. Attach the ground plug to the new horn (read instructions for which pole is positive and negative) and loosely connect the extension bracket (depending on what vehicle you have, you may need to jockey the horn into a new position). I held the old horn, grounding plug and extension bracket (with the second horn attached) together at the screw attachment (connected to the original horn) and carefully pushed everything up and into the car. I re-attached the nut and adjusted the horns to fit within the cavity. (If you are having difficulty moving around, you can disconnect the two power cables for the Fogs to the left. The plastic clip easily came loose and re-attached easily after I had the horns mounted.) TAKE YOUR TIME, AS THIS IS SLIGHTLY FRUSTRATING. SPACE IS LIMITED.
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Step 8 - You can now see everything is connected up and tightened into place. I have my horns facing directly down (toward the ground)
Step 9 - (no pic included, sorry) I attached the female connectors to the horns (push ‘em all the way on). Now, connect the male to the power wire coming from the car (this should have a CLICK sound. Be careful, this is a live wire. No need to disconnect the power, if you are careful)
Step 10 - (no pic included) Re-apply the plastic flashing cover with the Phillips head screws. YOU ARE DONE.
NOTE TO SELF: This new horn combination is SUPER LOUD. Don’t be an idiot like me and test the new horn in an enclosed space (garage). I about deafened myself.
Good luck to y’all! With a bit of patience and about $20 bucks, you too can improve your wimpy horn setup!
Glenn
Dallas, TX
P.S. Instructions written for previous generation 3's were of good help! See them at the following locations:
A beginner's guide to Upgrading the whimpy stock HORN - w/ pics
Our horns, high or low?
Time to build the new wiring assembly: 15 - 30 minutes
Time to install the additional horn: 30 - 45 minutes
Tools needed:
Wire Stripper
Flash light
Phillips Head screw driver
10mm Ratchet
Parts needed:
Assorted Quick Disconnects (with ends that can be crimped)
14 Gauge Automotive Wiring
Electrical Tape (recommend Scotch 33+, temp range is from sub-zero to 221 degrees)
Low tone horn (I chose the cheap $15 FIAMM Freeway Blaster)
For the wiring harness, I used to two 3” equal pieces of 14 Gauge automotive wiring.
Twist the two end pieces together and carefully place the MALE disconnect over the wire and crimp. Use the FEMALE disconnects on the other two ends. As a side note (for safety sake), I wrapped all of the connects with electrical tape just to make sure everything was secure. (Forgot to take a pic, so I borrowed the one above from the Mazda3Forums)
INSTALLATION
Step 1 - Under the right side of the vehicle (directly behind the fog light), remove the three screws holding the plastic flashing cover to the vehicle.
Step 2 - Push back the piece of plastic
Step 3 - Look past the plastic housing shielding the fog light.
Step 4 - See the horn? Looks very similar to the prior generation of the Mazda 3.
Step 5 & 6 - Remove the plug from the current horn by depressing the center plastic piece on the plug (yes, I was a moron sitting there tugging and complaining. lots of creative language was used until common sense kicked in) :stupid:
Step 7 - I chose to leave the bracket attached to the car, instead removing the bolt attaching the horn. Attach the ground plug to the new horn (read instructions for which pole is positive and negative) and loosely connect the extension bracket (depending on what vehicle you have, you may need to jockey the horn into a new position). I held the old horn, grounding plug and extension bracket (with the second horn attached) together at the screw attachment (connected to the original horn) and carefully pushed everything up and into the car. I re-attached the nut and adjusted the horns to fit within the cavity. (If you are having difficulty moving around, you can disconnect the two power cables for the Fogs to the left. The plastic clip easily came loose and re-attached easily after I had the horns mounted.) TAKE YOUR TIME, AS THIS IS SLIGHTLY FRUSTRATING. SPACE IS LIMITED.
Step 8 - You can now see everything is connected up and tightened into place. I have my horns facing directly down (toward the ground)
Step 9 - (no pic included, sorry) I attached the female connectors to the horns (push ‘em all the way on). Now, connect the male to the power wire coming from the car (this should have a CLICK sound. Be careful, this is a live wire. No need to disconnect the power, if you are careful)
Step 10 - (no pic included) Re-apply the plastic flashing cover with the Phillips head screws. YOU ARE DONE.
NOTE TO SELF: This new horn combination is SUPER LOUD. Don’t be an idiot like me and test the new horn in an enclosed space (garage). I about deafened myself.
Good luck to y’all! With a bit of patience and about $20 bucks, you too can improve your wimpy horn setup!
Glenn
Dallas, TX
P.S. Instructions written for previous generation 3's were of good help! See them at the following locations:
A beginner's guide to Upgrading the whimpy stock HORN - w/ pics
Our horns, high or low?
