Brain fart on relays... headlights wiring [Archive]

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whytry

02-03-2006, 08:06 AM

I was looking to run a relay on my headlights, but I forgot how to wire them.... :banghead: What wire do I tap into from the headlight switch and then to what numbers on the relay.....

Will also be doing the same thing on the power windows too....

THX

astroracer

02-03-2006, 08:57 AM

Here is a diagram for the headlights.
http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/headlight-simple.htm

whytry

02-03-2006, 11:09 AM

Thanks!!!!

whytry

02-08-2006, 08:31 AM

Forgot to ask, if I run the relays should I tap a new hot lead or can I still run it to the existing hot on the headlight switch?

My overall goal is to be able to still run the factory switch to turn the headlights on. Can this be done? If so how?

THX

astroracer

02-09-2006, 04:23 AM

zbugger

02-09-2006, 10:57 AM

Brad, I basically did the same thing you're doing on my car. I got an aftermarket harness though, and it just plugged right in. The hot lead is right off the battery, and the lights are very bright. I noticed the difference with the stock halogens. If you're doing the harness yourself, cool, but I usually just recommend the harness from Painless. Even though that's not the harness I used. I think American Auto Wire, site sponsor might have them as well. I just haven't looked.

derekf

02-09-2006, 11:16 AM

AAW has one.

http://www.americanautowire.com/products/index.cfm#Product5

whytry

02-09-2006, 11:23 AM

Cool thanks guys!!!

whytry

02-09-2006, 10:43 PM

Hi Brad,
The factory switch will turn the headlights on and off if you wire them per the diagram I provided the other day. The "12 volt" power supply can come from any source, even direct from the battery BUT, I would suggest wiring it through a switched ignition source. This way it is only hot when the ignition is on.
Here is another diagram that may be a little clearer...
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/02/HeadlightRelayWiringDiagram-1.jpg
Mark

I tired this this evening and its not working correctly. Currently this is the headlight switch wires... I took the green wire and ran it to the relay #86 then ran the end from the headlight to the #87. I ran #85 to ground and ran a test with it hooked to the horn relay + to #30 and got nothing.... Also ran white wire to other relay and got nothing as well. The relays click but that's it...... Also even with the relays hooked up the lights come on even without connecting my new +12 source!!! What's wrong... Pleasae help...

I also am not getting the gauge lights to come on now. What is the wire coming from the headlight switch for the gauges? I thought it was the orange one, but I'm not getting the gauges to light now....

gmachinz

02-11-2006, 04:33 AM

You need to use a test light to see which wires are hot when you pull your healights on using your factory switch. On my Monte the wire for the low beams was dk. green I believe coming out of the switch to the headlights. I cut that wire at the rad. support area and the end coming from the switch I ran to #86 on relay-the "trigger". The other end of the wire I connected to #87 on the relay. Now, ground #85 and get 12V to #30 and you will have relay triggered low beams via the OE headlight switch. Do the same for the high beam wire lead also. Use a 10 amp fuse for the new "turn-on" lead and a 20 amp fuse for the 12V lead and you're set. Try to tap into an alternator source instead of batter power-the remote voltage sensing circuitry inside the alternator will give you brighter lights than just running off the battery. -Jabin

Todds69

02-11-2006, 06:27 AM

I don't want to steal this thread but i have a question. I'm wiring stupid so please excuse me. What is the purpose for running a relay for the headlights, or what does this do for it or help? thanks

BonzoHansen

02-11-2006, 07:27 AM

http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/brighter-headlights.shtml

Increased voltage = brihjgetr lights, less amps through the old oe h/l switch.

Todds69

02-11-2006, 08:01 AM

http://www.madelectrical.com/electricaltech/brighter-headlights.shtml

Increased voltage = brihjgetr lights, less amps through the old oe h/l switch.
Awesome...thanks a million, learn something everyday. Have to try this myself. Is Mad Enterprise still in business, their website still has a statement about Aug. 04 shipping delays. Anyone know.

whytry

02-13-2006, 10:02 AM

Thanks Gmachinz!! I checked it out on Sunday, found out on my 68 their is a lt blue wire instead of a tan...... Just an FYI for anybody else too...

I am looking at getting a circuit breaker for this seperate power line, since I will running a couple of other relays to it as well (pwr windows, etc) what size and where can I get one? I know Best Buy has them, in I think 60 amp, and 100 amp....