TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Nov 20, 2008 6:55 pm

I have one of the heater booster kits in the '69 Westy--I orig. purchased the kit from Chirco about 10 yrs. ago.

The switch is getting SUPER hot, and when it heats up it won't turn off
and spins thru the lo, med. and hi settings.

Anyone know a good replacement switch/source? :?:

cheers.......

Fri Nov 21, 2008 9:24 pm

Hey cbcarch

I'm no 12V expert, so if this is off I'm sure someone will correct me...

And this may not solve the problem if the switch itself is (now or before) defective/ damaged... but a relay might save the switch...

Vanagon headlight switches are notorious for "overheating" as the length and small gauge of the wires creates excessive resistive voltage drop...

The fix for this is to run the power thru a relay to reduce the power load- this effectively allows the switch to still signal on and off, but keeps the true power line separate allowing the relay to "relay" the higher voltage, thereby avoiding overheating (and keeping the voltage high to the lights).

This idea behind this is also similar to the starter relay solution you might have seen here on Samba (http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=304052&highlight=starter+relay)...

Best of Luck, mike

Fri Nov 21, 2008 10:50 pm

I think the switch he's talking about has resistors attached to the back of it Mike, something like the universal, multi speed fan switch JC Whitney sells (or used to). A relay would defeat the purpose of the resistors.

Cbcarch, head for the wrecking yard, any Honda, Nissan and most other brands have a resistor pack attached to the side of the heater blower, notice how they mount them in the airstream to cool them. Some added extension wires and one of those resistor units mounted in the airflow (even if it's heated air) will cure your problem. You can probably even use your old switch, just move the resistors.

Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:48 pm

Thanks guys,

But I'm really just looking for a new switch, with a built-in "resistor"
or relay--like the original which came with the kit. It worked fine
for 10 years--and is just now acting up.

cheers....

Mon Nov 24, 2008 5:58 pm

Radio Shack?? Peace!

Mon Nov 24, 2008 8:15 pm

Looking for a direct replacement for the 3 speed switch in the aftermarket heater booster kit for VW bus--as offered by Chirco or equivalent. Chirco says they can't sell just the switch as it comes with the kit?

Mid Am MW also sells heater booster kits only.

Anyone have a source for the switch?

cheers.....