Relay on Fog light install.

[sonk]

Hello All,

I just installed some Halogen fog lights. I did it with a fuse, switch directly to my auxilary Batt. Does anyone have a good diagram on how to add a relay to get more light output? It seems that they are a little dim for halogens..

Thanks, Rob

[PDXWesty]

Try this:

http://www.classictruckshop.com/clubs/earlyburbs/projects/bosch/foglites.htm

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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[1621]

Run it like PDX drew up. It's probably a good idea to take the strain off the switch, even if it's one rated for high amperage.

As long as you have a higher gauge wire run between the battery and #30 pin, and #87 to the lights themselves, you should be good. I've always run 10 or 12 awg, but as long as you're not going over 55w I believe you can use 14 awg. Also make certain they're well grounded. Finally, post up some pictures when you're through because we're always interested in seeing what others are up to!
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'85 Westy

[sonk]

Will do, I appreciate your hellp.

Thanks, rob

[Franklinstower]

don't forget ohms law to establish your max draw: watts / volts = amps.

so a 55 watt bulb / 14 volts draws only 3.9 amps per bulb.
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'89 Westy - EJ25/22 Frank 4.44 5mt
'75 Miami Blue Sunroof FI Standard Bug
YITB

[Westphalia]

I have gotten a set of Hella fog lights with a "plug and play" relay and wiring.

I have hooked up according to the diagram in this thread. including using 10 gauge wire and a 20 amp fuse from battery to the relay.

I am running power from a switched (off when key is off) fuse, it is in the aux position designated for heater booster. My van does not have a heater booster. This is also used to power an analog water temp gauge so I can see if the fuse blows there.

the 20 amp fuse in the line from battery to relay keeps blowing.
I have checked my ground and it is good.
Possible relay malfunction??

I am at a loss as to what to change now. The setup is really basic.

I need better minds to weigh in. Thanks in advance.

Arnold~

1983.5 Westy 1.9L Digijet

[PDXWesty]

You could have a faulty relay. Use a volt meter to check continuity in the non-energized position and energized positions and see if it's working correctly. Take the relay out and test it with some basic connections. The relay may have some internal shorts.
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[Westphalia]

Replaced the relay just to be safe and was advised to power up without the lead to the lights connected. Did that and no blow.

Connected lights to relay and BAM! blown fuse.

As an experiment I bypassed the relay and connected power and lights directly to the switch. Also BAM!.

So the actual lights. I am using the wiring that come with the kit. All pre spliced and sealed.

The grounds are good at the lights. Grounded to body and I filed down to shiny metal to make sure good connections.

I have opened the lights and all seems OK internally.

The wire to the lights is pretty thin. Do I run new leads to the lights with a heavier gauge?

Did I mention I LOVE Electrical....

[peaceful warrior]

Westphalia, it sounds like you may have a short to ground on the hot wire. Test for continuity and check the wires for breaks in the outer casing. This is not rocket science, so locating the problem should not be to difficult.
BTW, you say the ground is good on the lights, how do you know. You might want to run direct power to them from a separate battery, while metering the ground wire.
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"Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." Albert Einstein
"Notchboy" says "Man up!"
"Tram" says " My bus is bigger than your bus."
66 13W Deluxe, 68 Westfalia, 87 Syncro.
TOOB Member #15
Brian

[Westphalia]

EUREKA. Thanks PW you were right-on about the the short to ground. I knew the ground "connection" was good becasue I filed away all the road goo and paint to get good metal to metal contact.

What I did wrong was to assume that since the wiring kit came with a black wire to the lights that it connected to the black wire coming from the lights.

Yes I grounded my hot line ....Sadly I only discovered it when all else had failed and I looked inside the fixtures AGAIN...
Feeling more than a little dumb. But on the up side I learned a ton, and now that my fogs are working I am happy.

My grateful thanks to those who helped me out. Sorry to have it end up user error but you guys are an awesome resource.

Cheers~

Arnold