Technical Headlight wiring

Ok, so I upgraded my headlight wiring with relays and that worked great.

Now I have a question regarding the dimmer switch.

I am going to switch to a push button on my dash (dimmer) but can only find a 10amp button. Now with doing this, can I just wire it and be done or would I have to add another relay for the dimmer switch. Last thing I want is a fire or burnt wires.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Use the button on the dash to control the low current switch side of each relay, not the high current circuits.

 

Thank you

 

It depends on how you wired your relays. I would need to see a simple schematic of how you wired your lights to tell you what you need. In order to keep the switches on the low current side, you need a minimum of two relays. I've drawn up one possible wiring schematic. In this case each switch is only carrying the relay coil current.

 

I forgot to add a fuse in the diagram. There should be one between B+ and the junction of pin 30 and the headlamp switch.

 

You'll need a latching-type pushbutton, not a momentary-contact. These are a bit rare, if you can't find one, you can add another relay for latching.

 

Here is info on a latching relay used as headlight dimmer. I learned this from an article in Rod & Custom June 2011 article by Chris Shelton. The little locking relay is a 67-69 VW part number 111 941 583. Also available from Napa Echlin #AR284 or DNI 0127.

Headlight Relay ECH AR284 | Buy Online - NAPA Auto Parts (napaonline.com)

It looks much like a Bosch relay but the pins are different, so no easily available socket. I used female push on blade connectors.

The pin wiring is as follows:
56 is incoming signal from headlight switch.
56a goes out to high beams
56b goes out to low beams
these are a replacement for foot operated dimmer swith.
pin 30 is constant 12 volt from 40 amp circuit breaker
pin S is to a momentary switch that creates a ground.

It is the ground signal that latches to the high beam and low beam with each momentary ground. I used a reproduction motorcycle kill button mounted on the back of my turn signal box to create the momentary ground. There are other momentary switches available. Also note that holding the ground for extended time will over heat the coil in the relay and cause damage.

Finally note that power to the 30 pin provides a 'flash to pass' feature to the 56b even with the headlight switch off.


Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask questions.

 

I used a headlight switch the is the dimmer and all in one. Add your original headlight knob and your there

 

Here is how I wired the relays. Sorry about the delay in response.