Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2000 19:31:12 -0700
Reply-To: Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Bill Davidson <wdavidson@THEGRID.NET>
Subject: Re: HELP with wiring VW foglight switch to Hella 500's in 85 Westy
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Hi Todd...
I'm just in the process of wiring some back up lights to the same VW Fog
Light Switch... almost done..
I'll try to answer your questions below...
> I've finally found time to install a set of Hella 500's that I bought on
> sale from Susquehanna MotorSports earlier this year for our 85 Westy. I
> decided to purchase the stock VW foglight switch from the Bus Depot (part
#
> 251 941 535) instead of using the switch that came with the Hellas. I
used
> up most of my time today, however, searching the archives for tips on
using
> the VW switch with the relay that came with the Hellas.
>
> Here's the problem - the VW switch has three connectors on back which are
> designated "+" , "83a" and "83b". The only post that I found in the
> archives describing the connectors was from Kent Christensen on November
> 11th last year. Kent noted that his Haynes "VW Air-cooled Vanagon" shop
> manual described switch position (83a) for the front fogs, and the second
> position (83b) for front and rear. He also noted that the internal light
> was lit in second position only (front and rear fogs - "83b") and that no
> relay was noted in the diagram. So, is this switch designed to use a
relay
> or to take a power source into the "+" terminal straight out to front
and/or
> rear fogs via 83a or 83b?
I think I remember this post... and as I remember the poster was surprized
that the rear fogs were run directly off the switch without a relay.... But
it really depends on the amp draw.. and I don't know exactly where to draw
the line... but I decided to use a relay for my back up lights which will
draw about 8 amps... I would imagine your fog lights will draw that much or
more than that..
>
> If I want to use this with the Hella relay (4 connectors: "30" - 12 volt
in
> from battery, "87" - 12 volt out to each foglight, "85" to ground and
"86" -
> "load" in from switch) would "+" on the VW switch be the "source or
supply"
+ on the VW switch is wired to your power source... hot coming into the
switch.
> line from my parking light circuit (any opinions on the best place to tap
> into this?)
The parking light circuit should be sufficient if you use relay(s) between
the VW switch and the Fog Lights .... if not you will need a more
substantial wire/source... like off one of the large ignition wires... or
better yet... wire back to the + post of the battery.
and then "83b" could be used to run the "load" line to the
> relay - if I wanted to have the switch light up when the fogs were on.
Yes.
I
> know that I'll also need to run a ground for the indicator light. Is
> running this ground to one of the brass ground "stars" next to the
> relay/fuse panel OK?
I did... but any ground will do..
Also, is it best to run a power line all the way from
> the battery
Yes.
or is there a suitable source that I can tap into closer to the
> fuse/relay strip or under the dash?
Perhaps one of the ignition wires... biggest one you can find under the
steering wheel... BUT it all depends on HOW MUCH POWER/AMPS THOSE FOG LIGHTS
WILL DRAW. If you don't know... it is always best to error on the safe side
(wiring back to the battery)... Many wire back to the battery bypassing the
headlight switch to add more powerful headlights so it would be appropriate
for the Fog Lights too I would think.... but all depends on how much power
those puppies will draw...
Good Luck... and make good and safe connections!
Bill
>
> Final question - I found Mike Sullivan's webpage with the wiring diagram
for
> his Projektwo lamps that used the relay #7 slot in his fuse panel (he has
an
> 88 if I recall). My 85 Westy only has an 'extra' relay slot in position
#2
> and the Hella relay that came with my kit doesn't fit. I got a
"universal"
> 30A Bosch automotive relay from the local FLAPS and it also didn't fit.
> The local VW dealer looked it up on the EKTA CD and informed me that VW CD
> doesn't list a fog relay for 85's. Has anyone with an 85 found a way to
> wire their fogs using a relay plugged into the #2 extra relay slot in
their
> panel? If so - where'd you get a relay that fits and would you mind
sharing
> where you ran your wires?
>
> My apologies for the length of the message and many thanks for any/all
> advice.
>
> Todd Guttman
> 85 Westy 'Rivendell'
> Columbus, Ohio
>
