1988-1989 Eagle Medallion Horn: A Guide to Replacement and Troubleshooting
If your Medallion's horn has gone silent, this guide will help you find the right fix.
- Always check the horn fuse and relay before buying a new horn; they are common failure points and cheap to fix.
- The Eagle Medallion likely uses separate high-tone and low-tone horns; you must identify which one failed before ordering a replacement.
- Aftermarket brands like Replacement and Standard Ignition offer reliable and affordable options.
- Replacing the horn is a simple DIY job that requires basic tools and less than an hour.
Is Your Eagle Medallion's Horn Failing?
A non-working horn is not just an annoyance; it's a safety hazard that can fail a vehicle inspection. For the 1988-1989 Eagle Medallion, horn problems usually stem from a few simple electrical issues. Most owners will experience either a completely silent horn or a horn that sounds weak or different than it used to.
Common Symptoms of a Bad Horn
- No Sound: Pressing the horn button does nothing. This is the most common failure.
- Weak or Quiet Sound: The horn makes a noise, but it's barely audible. This often happens if your Medallion has two horns (high and low tone) and one has failed.
- Horn Works Intermittently: The horn only works sometimes, which could point to a loose connection or a failing relay.
Before You Buy: Check the Basics
Don't rush to buy a new horn. The horn itself is a simple part; the problem often lies elsewhere in the circuit. Save time and money by checking these first:
- The Fuse: Check your Medallion's fuse box for the horn fuse. If it's blown, replace it with one of the same rating. If it blows again, you have a short circuit that needs to be diagnosed.
- The Horn Relay: The relay is an electrical switch that sends power to the horn. Have a friend press the horn button while you listen for a 'click' sound from the relay, which is often located in the engine bay or under the dashboard. If it clicks, the relay is likely working. If not, the relay could be bad.
Choosing an Aftermarket Horn for Your Medallion
Because the Eagle Medallion is a rare vehicle, finding original (OEM) new parts is nearly impossible. Thankfully, the aftermarket provides good, affordable options. You will typically need to buy a specific high-tone or low-tone horn to replace the one that failed.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers
For a straightforward part like a horn, you have a couple of quality tiers to choose from:
- Good (Value Brand): Brands listed as Replacement are designed to be affordable, direct-fit parts. They are a cost-effective solution that meets the original specifications and will get your horn working again. For a simple component like a horn, these offer excellent value.
- Better (Known Aftermarket Brand): Standard Ignition (also known as Standard Motor Products or SMP) is a well-respected brand with a long history of making quality aftermarket components. Choosing a Standard Ignition horn often means you're getting a part from a company with robust quality control, providing peace of mind and reliable, long-term performance.
Estimated Replacement Costs
The cost to replace a horn on your Medallion is very reasonable, especially if you do it yourself. The part itself is inexpensive, and labor is minimal.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Horn | $36.29 - $57.52 |
| Shop Labor | $50 - $100 |
| Total Professional Replacement | $86 - $158 |
(Prices are estimates and may vary based on your location and chosen parts.)
Pro Tip: High Tone vs. Low Tone
Your Medallion likely has two horns that work together. One is a 'high tone' and the other is a 'low tone'. When ordering a replacement, you must choose the correct one. If only one has failed, you only need to replace that one. If you are unsure which has failed, you can test each one by applying 12V power directly from the battery to its terminals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I replace the horn on my Eagle Medallion myself?
Yes, this is a great DIY job for beginners. The horn is usually located at the front of the car, behind the grille. It is typically held on by a single bolt and has a simple electrical connector. The job requires basic hand tools and should take less than an hour.
My horn sounds weak. What's wrong?
A weak or funny-sounding horn usually means one of the two horns (high-tone or low-tone) has stopped working. You'll need to identify which one has failed and replace it to restore the full sound.
Where is the horn relay located on a 1988-1989 Eagle Medallion?
While specific documentation for the Medallion is scarce, on many similar AMC/Eagle vehicles of the era, the horn relay is found on the passenger side firewall in the engine bay or under the dash near the fuse panel. It is usually a small, cube-shaped plastic component.
Is it illegal to drive without a working horn?
Yes, in most places, a functional horn is a legal requirement for a vehicle to be considered roadworthy. Driving without one can be a safety risk and may result in a ticket or a failed safety inspection.
Can I replace the horn on my Eagle Medallion myself?
Yes, this is a great DIY job for beginners. The horn is usually located at the front of the car, behind the grille. It is typically held on by a single bolt and has a simple electrical connector. The job requires basic hand tools and should take less than an hour.
My horn sounds weak. What's wrong?
A weak or funny-sounding horn usually means one of the two horns (high-tone or low-tone) has stopped working. You'll need to identify which one has failed and replace it to restore the full sound.
Where is the horn relay located on a 1988-1989 Eagle Medallion?
While specific documentation for the Medallion is scarce, on many similar AMC/Eagle vehicles of the era, the horn relay is found on the passenger side firewall in the engine bay or under the dash near the fuse panel. It is usually a small, cube-shaped plastic component.
Is it illegal to drive without a working horn?
Yes, in most places, a functional horn is a legal requirement for a vehicle to be considered roadworthy. Driving without one can be a safety risk and may result in a ticket or a failed safety inspection.
Technical Specifications
Aftermarket horns are available in high-tone and low-tone versions. Ensure you order the correct one for your needs.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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