Horn Upgrade --- DIY

EXCELLENT writeup! I've never changed horns, and I purchased the FIAMM low/high tone horn upgrades right after reading your writeup. I installed it with the help of my cousin, and we were done in 20-30 minutes. Thanks again for the instructions!

 

I recently changed out the horns on my 2006 Prius to PIAA Sports Horns (500Hz + 600 Hz). I'd like to do the same with my Plug-in Advance, but looking at my car with its radar unit behind the Toyota emblem and headlight washers on the front bumper makes me think it's not going to be as straightforward as described here for the non-Advanced Gen III or for my 2006 Gen II.

Can someone who has changed out horns on a Gen III with radar please post detailed instructions/photos on how to access the horns?

I took the upper radiator trim off and explored a bit. I imagined removing the hood latch to open up that hole more. But as for removing the Toyota emblem? I can't see how that would provide any real access, given that the radar unit is just inches behind the emblem. You might think "remove the bumper cover". The problem with that idea is that Plug-in Advance has headlight washers that preclude just popping the bumper cover off. The headlight washer covers would have to be removed first. Another alternative would be to go in from under the car if the underbody cover below the radiator can be removed.

Seriously, any details and photos from folks who've performed the horn swap on an Advanced Tech Package car would be greatly appreciated.

 

Hey Alan -- nice imageshack photos. I have the Advanced Tech Package with radar and headlight cleaners. How did you get your front bumper off? How to you deal with the covers for the headlight cleaners? Do they snap off and snap back on? I'd like to swap my horns out.

Thanks!

 

I'd like the same as Hi Burrito....

2011 Gen 3 Executive ( with ACC..... Adaptive cruise control.....that's how they call it here..)

 

kmkremer, why the repost of EVPV's original LONG instructions? If you're trying to answer my question about replacing horns in the Advanced Technology Package with radar and headlight washers, this doesn't answer it. And I'm bright enough to have read EVPV's original post...

 

It had nothing to do with your post. I was trying to reply to EVPV's original post to thank him for the great instructions. I completed the install and it's been a great improvement. I finally have a "real" horn.

Something went wrong and the post went up before I could type my comments. I couldn't figure out how to delete the post.

 

+1 great write up and a 15min install easy as could be after the emblem was removed.

 

It's cool. I know -- I haven't figured out all the techniques for posting myself.

Congrats on the new horn!

 

Click on Report and ask a moderator to delete it. Alternatively, edit the post and delete the images.

 

Thanks for the DIY. I ordered the "El Grande" set on Amazon because it was cheaper then the pair of Freeway Blasters and I'm completely satisfied with the sound and volume of the new horn.

 

Now have a real horn. This IS a safety upgrade. Used the Fiam bracket. Removed upper cover, removed emblem, loosened upper grill fascia, all easy and quick (and a little bloody).

Thanks!

 

It IS a safety issue. I had to use the Cadillac horns the other day as a fellow motorist didn't see me and swerved into me and I couldn't brake to avoid without causing the guy behind me to rear end me. A little blast of the Dm7 and she aborted, gave me the wave (full 5 finger, not a single digit) I returned the favor (likewise) and we both went about our day.

A proper horn, well used, is a safety item. I think the Prius horn mod is a must do.

 

Thanks for the great write up.It saved me a lot of time.now I am not embarrassed of blowing the horn.
I damaged the 3 clips that hold the upper trim, does anybody know where I can find these clips?

 

Toyota, or any autoparts store. Just bring in one of the clips for a size reference.

 

Completely agree BUT the FIAMM seems to still not be loud enough on the freeway.. I used it several time on the freeway and it didn't make it's point. Time for air horns!

 

I've used my FIAMMS several times over the freeway and it was effective.

 

awesome write up,
I'm going to go with the Hella Trumpet horns though
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030Z65YM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

as they're a little cheaper than the FIAMM ones