Vanagon EuroVan
Previous messageNext messagePrevious in topicNext in topicPrevious by same authorNext by same authorPrevious page (July 2001, week 1)Back to main VANAGON pageJoin or leave VANAGON (or change settings)ReplyPost a new messageSearchProportional fontNon-proportional font
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
Comments: To: David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

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"


Back to: Top of message | Previous page | Main VANAGON page

Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!


Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com


The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.

Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.