Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2001 13:36:12 -0700
Reply-To: steve@SYNCRO.ORG
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Steve Schwenk <steve@SYNCRO.ORG>
Subject: Re: BRIGHTER LIGHTS: install relays
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There is an intermediate step you can take that
provides more direct power to the high beams via relays
but does not require running new wires to the
headlights. You get brighter high beams and your
ignition/headlight switches do not get all of the
current from the high beams (but still get the low beam
current). You also continue to have a fuse for each
light.
The other benefit is that this set up uses VW parts and
the only rewiring you need to do is to reroute a couple
of wires under the dash.
The downside is that the low beams still run through
the switches. You could do the same mods to the low
beams if you add a new base for additional relays under
the dash. With the above set up, the relays you use
plug into the existing open sockets at the fuse box
under the dash.
I have done the mod and am very pleased. I can also go
up in wattage on my low beams now and still keep the
amps within specs for the existing wiring.
Here's the link. The info is from Phill Lander.
http://www.concentric.net/~Sxs/Wiring.htm
David Beierl wrote:
>
> At 03:45 PM 7/6/2001, Mark Dorm wrote:
> >What are you saying here? Are you saying that when you install a relay you
> >end up with one circuit that results in brighter lighting where originally
> >you had four circuits with weaker lighting but greater safety? I don't
> >really understand relays or electronics. I know what an electron is but
> >thats about all.
>
> No, but rather that you have to take care to properly fuse the wires
> leading from the relays to the headlights, and for best redundancy use two
> separate fused wires from the battery to the relays.
>
> >I have the square lights. So more money, right? 225 isn't it? Not including
> >relays, heavier wire, et. (et?).
>
> Right. Dunno how much, but that sounds like the right neighborhood. But
> if you leave the wires alone (with the new E-code lights) you'll have high
> beams as good, and low beams much better than before. You don't absolutely
> *have* to rewire unless you're planning to put extra-bright bulbs in. It's
> a good idea, though, because it's a place where VW made things a bit skimpy.
>
> david
>
> David Beierl - Providence, RI
> http://pws.prserv.net/synergy/Vanagon/
> '84 Westy "Dutiful Passage"
> '85 GL "Poor Relation"