Buy Acura CL Horns

The Acura CL uses two electric disc horns-one "high" and one "low" tone-mounted up front. Typical output is 100-110 dB at roughly 400 - 500 Hz, loud enough to warn traffic but still within U.S. sound-level guidelines. A 20-amp fuse and a small relay power the horns; either can fail and silence the system or make it stick on. Routine checks, clean terminals, and correct aiming preserve volume. Upgrades such as dual-tone trumpet horns fit the same two-pin plug if drivers want a deeper sound. State laws allow horn use only to ensure safe operation, so knowing how-and when-to honk matters as much as picking the right replacement part.

The CL's twin horns sit behind the center of the front bumper and at the left-front corner of the engine bay, tucked just ahead of the radiator support. See the factory location chart .
Electric disc horns fire a vibrating diaphragm through a flared metal plate, creating a sharp beam of sound that cuts through traffic noise. Typical pairs emit one note near 500 Hz (high) and another near 405-420 Hz (low), which the ear picks up faster than a single pitch (Wikipedia).

Pressing the steering-wheel pad closes a switch that energizes a horn relay. The relay lets full battery current reach the horns while keeping the switch low-voltage (CarParts). Each horn's diaphragm flexes hundreds of times per second, making a loud buzz amplified by the front grille opening. Because the CL uses two horns, drivers get a richer sound without drawing extra amperage.

• Model years covered: 1997-1999 (1st gen) and 2001-2003 (2nd gen). Both generations share the same two-wire, 12-volt disc horns, so aftermarket replacements interchange.
• Fuse/relay: A 20-amp "STOP LIGHT/HORN" fuse (#30) sits in the under-hood box on 1997-1999 cars (Auto Genius); 2000-2003 cars keep the horn circuits in the right-side dash and engine-compartment blocks (Fuse Box).
• Sound output: Average factory horns read 100-110 dB at two meters (BossHorn, Wikipedia).
• Tone range: High horn ? 500 Hz, low horn ? 405-420 Hz .
• Standards: SAE J377 calls for at least 100 dB and sets durability tests for road salt and vibration (SAE International).

• Silent horn: Burned-out diaphragm, corroded connector, or open fuse/relay. Forum users report quick fixes after reseating the relay or swapping a spare (Acurazine, acuraworld.com).
• Stuck horn: A collapsed steering-wheel switch or shorted relay contacts can keep power flowing. Pulling the fuse stops the noise until parts are replaced (Lifewire).
• Weak sound: Rust inside the disc, poor ground, or water intrusion lowers volume. Light sanding of the ground lug often restores full pitch (Reddit).

1. Disconnect the battery for safety.
2. Remove the splash shield or upper grille trim to expose the horns.
3. Unplug the two-pin connector and 12 mm mounting bolt.
4. Bolt on the new horn, aiming the trumpet down so rain drains out.
5. Reconnect, test the beeper, and reinstall trim.
   A short DIY clip shows the fuse-box layout and access points for 2001-2003 models (YouTube).

• Monthly beep test: One quick tap confirms the circuit is live.
• Clean contacts: A dab of dielectric grease on the spade terminals blocks corrosion (Lifewire).
• Check aim: The disc opening should face down and forward; sideways aim can muffle sound.
• Keep the relay dry: Water-proof the under-hood box gasket after service (CarParts).

U.S. states require a working horn loud enough to be heard 200 ft away yet prohibit unnecessary or "harsh" honking. Washington, for example, fines drivers for any blast not tied to safety (Axios). Typical 100-110 dB horns meet guidelines and stay under the 118 dB ceiling many jurisdictions set for passenger cars (BossHorn).

Drivers wanting a deeper, more commanding klaxon often fit dual-tone trumpet horns or low-frequency "rumbler" kits that add a felt vibration (popular with emergency fleets) (YBW Forum, WIRED). Most aftermarket sets plug into the stock two-pin harness with only a small relay change. Always verify clearance behind the bumper before installing a larger trumpet body.

Q: Where exactly are the horns on my Acura CL?
A: One sits behind the center bumper beam; the other mounts near the left headlamp bracket (Charm).

Q: What fuse controls the horn?
A: On 1997-1999 models it's the 20-amp "STOP LIGHT/HORN" fuse (#30) in the under-hood box (Auto Genius). Later models shift horn protection to the dash and engine blocks but still use a 20-amp rating (Fuse Box).

Q: How loud is the factory horn?
A: Around 100-110 dB-about as loud as a rock concert-measured two meters ahead (BossHorn).

Q: Why do two horns sound better than one?
A: A pair plays two notes (? 500 Hz and 405 Hz). The ear detects this mix faster in traffic noise (Wikipedia).

Q: My horn stopped working after heavy rain. What's first to check?
A: Pull the relay and re-seat it; moisture can foul the contacts (Acurazine).

Q: The horn is stuck on. How can I stop it fast?
A: Remove the horn fuse or relay, then diagnose the steering-wheel switch (Lifewire).

Q: Is it legal to install a 130 dB air horn?
A: Most states cap passenger-car horns below 118 dB, so 130 dB units risk tickets (BossHorn, Axios).

Q: Does the CL use a special plug?
A: No. Both generations use a common two-pin 12 V connector shared with many Honda/Acura models (Charm).

Q: Can a bad relay drain my battery?
A: If stuck closed it can feed the horns constantly, drawing several amps and flattening the battery overnight (CarParts).

Q: What's the benefit of a low-frequency "rumbler" horn?
A: Its sub-woofer pulses are felt as vibration, cutting through closed windows and loud stereos (WIRED).

Q: How often should I replace a horn?
A: Under SAE J377, horns should last at least 50,000 on-off cycles; many survive the car's life if kept dry (SAE International).

Q: Can I wire an extra horn without a new relay?
A: No. Adding current draw can melt the switch; always step up to a 30-amp relay if installing a third horn (CarParts).

Q: What tools do I need for a swap?
A: 10 mm or 12 mm socket, flat trim clip remover, and a test-light. Most jobs take 15-30 minutes.

Q: Is "hooter" just British slang?
A: Yes-U.K. drivers often call the horn a hooter; in the U.S. "beeper" or "klaxon" are common synonyms (Wikipedia).

Q: Will mis-aiming the horn make it quieter?
A: Yes. Point the trumpet down so water drains and sound projects forward for full volume (Lifewire).