Date:         Fri, 9 Sep 2011 07:30:33 -0700
Reply-To:     mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Headlight Upgrade Eilemma
In-Reply-To:  <4E692BFF.4050607@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Maybe it already has headlight relays installed?

There are 7 P connections. 2 are always used by the base vehicle.

That leaves 5 for options/expansion.
   power windows use 1
   power locks use 1
   gas fired heater uses 1 (rare)
   typical headlight relay kit uses 2

Is the other larger .375" P spade available?
If so, put a bigger end on your new wire and use it.

Mark

John Rodgers wrote:
> I was going to upgrade my headlight circuits with headlight relays to
> handle new higher wattage lights. Part of this requires cutting some
> wires and these wires are clearly identified in the instructions. When I
> went to do this, and removed the steering column cover to better see
> what I was doing, I discovered a rat's net of wires where the PO had
> done a whole lot of upgrading for himself. There is no way for me to
> identify all those wires making the install non-compatible. So, what to do?
>
> I decided to use the TJ Hannick approach, using 30 amp relay mounted on
> the dash fascia on the left side of the insturment pod and under the
> instrument pod cover. Four wires, no cutting, plug and play - Right?
> Wrong!!!
>
> The first three wires to the relay were a snap. But the fourth - the one
> that powers the control circuit inside the relay - the fourth one is to
> be plugged into the "P" panel on the back side of the fuse block. Once
> that last wire is connected - the light would/should work. Well, no
> joy!! I dropped the fuse block, only to discover that the "P" panel
> looked like a Christmas tree loaded with ornaments. The PO in his
> rewiring, had used all 6 output pins and had put extenders on them,
> increasing their ability to carry more connectors with wires. But to the
> detriment of adding anything else at all!!!
>
> My question here is - where else can I connect to pull power for getting
> the relay to work.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John
>
> -- John Rodgers Clayartist and Moldmaker 88'GL VW Bus Driver Chelsea, AL
> Http://www.moldhaus.com
>