1999 Boxster - Horn Fuse Blown

Greg986 · 02-13-2011, 12:02 PM

Last summer I experienced a problem with my horn fuse blowing. Someone mentioned that there are rubber boots on the air bag mounting plate (not sure if right term), and that over time, due to heat (Texas summers), the mounting plate rubber boots thin, and can cause a short.

Anyone have a similar experience.
Thanks in advance.

Greg

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

That's correct, although the failure of these should cause the horn to come on, not necessarily blow the fuse. I did have the same problem on my car - the problem was a stuck horn. The horn when it gets stuck begins to pull a lot more current and will blow the fuse repeatedly. The horns are VW horns, and are incredibly cheap (something like $12 each). They are located right behind the front bumper and are really easy to get to once you remove the bumper.

Article on removing the bumper: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Front Bumper Removal - 986 / 987

Link to the horns in our catalog: Porsche Boxster Gauges and Miscellaneous - Page 1

Hope this helps,

Wayne

Greg986 · 02-13-2011, 12:30 PM

Wayne,
Thanks for your timely reply.
'Really appreciate your assistance, both your reply, and the valuable resources your enterprise provides.
Regards,
Greg

Greg986 · 02-13-2011, 08:20 PM

Wayne,
'Sorry to bother you..
Are you suggesting that the horns could be causing my fuse to blow?
Or should I start with air bag mounting plate?

Greg986 · 02-13-2011, 08:33 PM

'Found this comment under "Reviews" section for air bag mounting plate part:

By Mark O., submitted September 21, 2010
Comments: Common problem with 996 is the rubber gromits on the frame of this part degrade and the horn will beep on bumps and stops. I tried to reinforce the gromits with silicone and that worked for a couple of months but then the problem restarted. Ordered this part that includes new gromits and the problem is finally and permanantly resolved.

Thanks,
Greg

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg986

Wayne,
'Sorry to bother you..
Are you suggesting that the horns could be causing my fuse to blow?
Or should I start with air bag mounting plate?

Yes, the airbag mounting plate should not cause the fuse to blow on the horns. I had a problem where my horns were stuck and were blowing fuses. I'm quite sure that's your problem - they are so cheap, I would replace both while I'm in there.

-Wayne

Greg986 · 02-21-2011, 08:08 PM

Wayne,
Thanks again. 'Replaced the air bag mounting bracket this past weekend - solved the problem of horn going off. (Building security notified me that my alarm was going off!)

With the benefit you your book, I mustered the courage to tackle challenge of removing the air bag, and replacing bracket.

'Horns in near future, then on to the window regulator...

'Appreciate your assistance.

Greg