Date:         Sun, 17 Nov 2013 05:45:42 -0500
Reply-To:     Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Frank Condelli <RAlanen@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: High beams not working-lighting upgrades!
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

        The relays are not installed to make it possible to add high watt bulbs, that’s just a side attraction.  The main reason for adding the relays is that the headlamp circuit has too many resistance gouging devices in the path to the headlights.  Just go measure the voltage at your headlights without the relays, you will find it’s about 9.5v not 12 as it should be.  AND, since some of these resistance gouging items are switches with small contact points surrounded by plastic which melts when the contact points are overheated the switch fails.  Headlamp switch and ignition switch are the ones that normally fail.  So……the real reason for installing the headlight relays is to save those two switches from melting and to get more voltage to the headlights.  With my relay kit you will get 11.5v at the headlights.  To get the full 12v you need to redo all the OEM wiring with larger gauge wire, not really worth the trouble unless you like doing that sort of thing for the extra 1/2v.


On Nov 16, 2013, at 8:32 PM, Automatic digest processor <LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> wrote:

> With all above said, I think relays are a good idea though, especially if
> you're constantly running high wattage units on a sustained basis. I've
> just never had the need for it.



Cheers,    

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
'87 VW Westy, '00 Kawasaki 250 Sherpa, "98 Ducati 750 Monster & Lionel Trains (Collection for sale)
Frank Condelli & Associates - Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
BusFusion a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, 
June 05 ~ 08, 2014