Re: [DML] Re: Headlight switch repairs

[Marc Levy <malevy_nj@xxxxxxxxx>]

Good!  So we agree!  :)


--- On Fri, 5/29/09, David Teitelbaum <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> From: David Teitelbaum <jtrealty@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [DML] Re: Headlight switch repairs
> To: dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Friday, May 29, 2009, 5:07 PM
> The main reason for putting the fuse
> before the switch is that in the event of a short between
> the fuse and the switch there is NO protection for the
> wiring OR the switch as it is currently wired. The fuse can
> only protect anything *downstream* between the fuse and
> ground. The headlights are controlled by relays, I just
> think that if you change the headlights and increase the
> current the OEM relays may not be able to handle it. To
> increase the longevity of the headlight switch a relay
> should be added to control the marker lights and maybe even
> the low and high beam relays. The less current you run
> through the switch the longer it will last. That, or follow
> the Lucas company motto "Get home before dark"! 
> David Teitelbaum
> 99 Esprit 
> 
> 
> --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx,
> Marc Levy <malevy_nj@...> wrote:
> >
> > 
> > 
> > Sorry to nitpick David, but while I agree that proper
> electrical design should place the fuse as close to the
> source as possible... and most definite before the switch
> (in case the switch shorts out), the location of the fuse
> has no impact on how much current the switch is
> passing.  Current (amperage) of the circuit is the same
> no matter where the fuse is placed.  :)
> > 
> > I agree, adding a relay will significantly reduce the
> amount of current the switch is carrying, and will reduce
> heat and prolong the life of the switch.  LED's will
> have a similar impact. 
> > 
> > IIRC, The headlights already are powered through a
> relay (one for low beam, one for high beam) so any after
> market headlights (like "halogen type lights") will not
> increase the current passing through the headlight switch.
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > --- On Fri, 5/29/09, David Teitelbaum
> <jtrealty@...> wrote:
> > 
> > 
> > > The design is probably considered a
> > > "success" since it lasted over 25 years! The
> problem is not
> > > only the design (and construction) of the switch
> but the
> > > circuit itself. The switch carries the direct
> current of the
> > > side markers and they are fused AFTER the switch
> so if there
> > > is a short circuit in the marker lights the
> switch has to
> > > carry that whole load BEFORE the fuse will blow.
> Not the
> > > best way to do it. Using relays will reduce the
> current
> > > through the switch reducing the heat and helping
> the switch
> > > last a lot longer. Changing over to L.E.D.'s for
> the marker
> > > lights will also help a lot. Going with halogen
> type lights
> > > will increase the load so if you go that way you
> really
> > > should consider relays for the switch to control.
> You also
> > > should check from time-to-time the marker light
> sockets.
> > > They are prone to corrode and when they do they
> can cause a
> > > high current through the headlight switch.
> > > David Teitelbaum
> > > vin 10757
> > > 
> > >
> >
> 
> 
> 
> 
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> 


      


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