Vanagon EuroVan
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Date:         Sun, 10 Jan 2010 13:36:00 -0500
Reply-To:     Mark A Kippert <vanagon@KIPPERT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark A Kippert <vanagon@KIPPERT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Head lights
In-Reply-To:  <BAY132-DS77922E2172F7E9471350CA06E0@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

As far as I know, the source feeding the relays is correct. The relays are plugged into the specified male blades on the back of the fuse block (as directed in the instructions).

I guess what would really help is to understand why headlights that must have worked fine when the van rolled off the assembly line, now work so poorly.

Not sure what you mean by "any wiring upgrade needs to include improving the current path from the alternator, not just the battery." I'm guessing the lights are fed by the battery, so the relays are improving this path. Here on the list, relay kits are typically recommended as the fix for poor headlight output, as well as many Vanagon sites. I don't recall reading that the current from the alternator should be improved as well (of course I've only been on the list about a year).

Mark K 1986 GL/2WD/4SPD

On Jan 10, 2010, at 12:27 AM, Dennis Haynes wrote:

> I agree. In fact even stock replacement lenses that are not 20 years old > offer a world of improvement. Also, if relays did not make a difference then > the source feeding the relays is wrong. Also, any wiring upgrade needs to > include improving the current path from the alternator, not just the > battery. > Dennis > > -----Original Message----- > Kim Brennan > Sent: Sunday, January 10, 2010 12:06 AM > > Replacing the stock bulbs with higher wattage bulbs will NOT solve the > problem and may cause other problems due to the higher current. > > Get a pair of the eurospec rectangular reflectors and save yourself a lot of > grief. > > On Jan 9, 2010, at 11:41 PM, Mark A Kippert wrote: > >> My headlights suffer the same poor output too. I just did the relay > upgrade (eBay:http://tinyurl.com/ybeg6f7 ) and saw no appreciable > improvement. I still need to replace the bulbs though. I'm hoping that will > improve the light output. The only reason I haven't done the bulbs yet is > the bra on the front of the van. >> >> Retrofitting my square headlights with the newer ones sounds like a good > idea but I like the square look better. Although I'd go with the South > African setup if I could afford it. I really like that look.


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