Date: Mon, 22 Jul 2013 22:00:51 -0400
Reply-To: David Clarkson <dvdclarksn@AOL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: David Clarkson <dvdclarksn@AOL.COM>
Subject: headlights with relay setup are inop: Fixed!
In-Reply-To: <14D91CB9-93A4-4498-9FD3-AD444A0C91FF@comcast.net>
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The power, as I checked it, was intermittently going on and off
perhaps as I was moving wires. I found what somehow amounted to be a
second 30 amp fuse inline that had not exactly blown but got real close
as in partially melted. There were a few connections at the relays that
had some exposure that probably grounded out on something. I had tried
to permanently mount the relays as someone had described but had some
clearance problems with the column covers. Wrapped the connections up
in some electrical tape until I can get some better insulated
connections that I have used on some of the other relay connections.
All is well after removing a section of the wiring and the second fuse.
Not real happy with the crappy alignment after I replaced the front
upper control arm bushings and installed some Gowesty springs all the
way around-much different from stock but I think with some strut
adjustment they will be quite nice. Steering wheel is cocked to the
right about 30 deg. and it's pulling to the left a bit. Dang trying to
get on the road for FloydFest! Got the state inspection sticker at
least and have made better some of the connections with solder and
better insulation. Back to get the alignment rechecked. The right front
wheel has obvious serious negative camber and I wonder if a bolt wasn't
exactly as tight as it should have been (54 ft./lbs.?)
David Clarkson
-----Original Message-----
From: OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@comcast.net>
To: David Clarkson <dvdclarksn@AOL.COM>
Cc: vanagon <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Mon, Jul 22, 2013 11:56 am
Subject: Re: headlights with relay setup are inop
David
I would doubt that it is the Relays but to be sure just use a Jumper
to Bypass them ~ I might start by checking to see if I had +12v to the
Relays & Continuity from the Relays to ground ~ 1 of those 2 has to be
missing & once you know which then just follow that path until you
find the break.
By the way ~ To my knowledge there is no Dimmer in the
HeadLightCircuit - There is a High/Low BeamSwitch ~ Is hat what you
guys a referring to?
ORR ~ DeanB
On 21 Jul , 2013, at 1:06 PM, David Clarkson wrote:
> My vehicle (1990 Westfalia) went in for state safety inspection and
> the headlights suddenly were not working. I wired up a setup that
> has worked well with the standard automotive relays as has been done
> many times by others using the standard wiring plan. I checked all
> the wiring and had good grounds and power to each of the relays. I
> had a spare headlight switch and tried that and nothing changed. All
> fuses are good also. The parking lights come on and the dash lights
> work okay. I can see where the wiring got hot at the relays where an
> unisulated portion may have grounded on something. Since both lights
> are out on hi and low beams I am thinking that maybe the dimmer
> switch got fried. Is there an easy way to test this or does anyone
> else have any suggestions? I think it highly unlikely that both
> relays would fail together. Thanks listees.
>
> David Clarkson
