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Horn vs. Alarm and Jealousy

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ghatid, Feb 26, 2008.

  1. ghatid

    ghatid Junior Member

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    I kind of agree with everyone that my Prius' horn is a little too quiet, but I guess I don't mind. Priuses look nice (not mean), thus the horn should sound nice too:). My question is, has anyone pressed their alarm button and noticed that it seems a lot louder than the normal horn?
    I have a package #1 (or #2, whatever is lowest in California), and I recently pressed the alarm button, in a parking lot. My girlfriend and I were walking away from it while I was pressing it (we were both curious as to how it would sound). When I finally got it to sound, we both jumped since it was so loud. I'm pretty sure it was a lot louder than the normal horn, or is it just me?

    Also, I'm currently going to school in LA, but my home is up the the Bay Area (California), so I drive up and down 5 a lot. Man, those big SUVs really have problems with us Priuses. I normally use cruise control (since I hate when I see other cars accordion around), but bigger cars always want to pass me, then slow down...and then when I catch up again, they have to speed up. RAWR! but I guess it's good because it keeps me awake:)
     
    #1 ghatid, Feb 26, 2008
  2. Steamboatsig

    Steamboatsig Member

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    Could it have sounded louder because you were outside of the car? I installed PIAA Sport Horns and honked the horn from the driver's seat. I was at first a little disappointed. Then I got out of the car and had my wife honk the horn...wow, it was really loud.
     
    #2 Steamboatsig, Feb 26, 2008
  3. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    I think the reason the alarm sounds louder is because it is. The "Theft Deterrent Horn" is a separate device from the normal two horns.

    Sounds like a possible modification to trigger the theft unit along with the little bleepers.:horn:
     
    #3 RobH, Feb 27, 2008
  4. ghatid

    ghatid Junior Member

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    Hmm, sounds good... anyone up for it? Let me know how it goes:-D
     
    #4 ghatid, Feb 27, 2008
  5. Rockville1

    Rockville1 Silver Pine Mica

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    I've noticed the same behavior from a lot of drivers (not just SUVs) since I've purchased my Prius. I think a lot of people assume Prius' are really slow, so they feel compelled to pass one. Call it the "Prius Effect."

    In that regard, I wonder how much extra gas the Prius is responsible for "wasting" due to the Prius Effect?! ;)
     
    #5 Rockville1, Feb 27, 2008
  6. Qlara

    Qlara New Member

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    Prius is really NOT that slow on freeway (I've driven cars with less than 90HP and still managed to safe pass some semi), it's just that we Prius drivers want to max out the MPG and drive less agressively. Maybe the Consumption Screen is the real Prius-effect for better driving.
     
    #6 Qlara, Feb 27, 2008
  7. Prius Prime

    Prius Prime Junior Member

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    2016 Prius v wagon
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    Three
    Speaking of the horn ...

    I was driving on a 2 lane road, the light ahead was red, so I slowed down to glide to the light.

    I noticed a possum crossing the road and it was kinda just standing there. My son was with me (he has a Ford Escape Hybrid) and said HONK your horn. So I did. It got out of the way, with a surprised look!

    I was in electric vehicle/ICE off and the poor possum didn't hear me coming!

    I've thought of the possibility of this happening but it's the first time it's happened to me.

    Has anyone else startled an animal in "stealth mode"?
     
    #7 Prius Prime, Feb 27, 2008
  8. RobH

    RobH Senior Member

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    Never startled an animal that I know of, but pedestrians are another matter. They go wandering in a parking lot, totally oblivious to the fact that I'm waiting for them to get out of the way. Even the bleep that the Prius horn puts out seems overkill for getting someone to move out of the way in a parking lot.

    I've actually installed a doorbell (Westminster Chimes) in the engine compartment, with a little remote control to trigger it. Cost all of about $10. Haven't used it yet, but I've come close.
     
    #8 RobH, Feb 29, 2008
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