I want headlights like a Scandinavian...
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- T25Convert
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I want headlights like a Scandinavian...
Off on a three week driving tour of Finland in the van.
Its mandatory to use dipped headlights all the time, with alleged fines if I don't (and knowing my luck driving abroad I will get stopped!) I also need to retain parking light functionality.
Is there an easy mod to make the dipped beams come on with the ignition rather than just leave a sign on the dash that I can ignore after the second day?!
It looks like I just pop terminal 56 off the light switch, then give it a suitable live with ignition feed (that is off when cranking) and I'll have dipped headlights on with ignition. I'd then need to switch headlight switch to dipped beam if I want headlight main beam latching to work.
Have I got this right do people think?
Its mandatory to use dipped headlights all the time, with alleged fines if I don't (and knowing my luck driving abroad I will get stopped!) I also need to retain parking light functionality.
Is there an easy mod to make the dipped beams come on with the ignition rather than just leave a sign on the dash that I can ignore after the second day?!
It looks like I just pop terminal 56 off the light switch, then give it a suitable live with ignition feed (that is off when cranking) and I'll have dipped headlights on with ignition. I'd then need to switch headlight switch to dipped beam if I want headlight main beam latching to work.
Have I got this right do people think?
RIP - George - 1.9DG '85 AutoSleeper Trident - rusted away
George Second - 1.9DG '89 Caravelle
George Second - 1.9DG '89 Caravelle
- 937carrera
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Re: I want headlights like a Scandinavian...
That was apparently a nice simple question.
How about this suggestion
Run a link wire from connection X on the back of the switch to terminal 56. Terminal X is only live when in the engine run position, and as you have identified terminal 56 is for the headlights.
Use the same heavy gauge wire as the original wiring. I'll let others suggest ways of physically making the connection.....
How about this suggestion
Run a link wire from connection X on the back of the switch to terminal 56. Terminal X is only live when in the engine run position, and as you have identified terminal 56 is for the headlights.
Use the same heavy gauge wire as the original wiring. I'll let others suggest ways of physically making the connection.....
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine
- T25Convert
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Re: I want headlights like a Scandinavian...
Thanks - I've just been looking at the wiring diagrams again and as you note this is an easy source of the +12v feed. I get worried about these little wiring projects, like a bit of reassurance!
Jointing wise I'll just strip off a little insulation and solder on - I have yet to find a more secure way of joining cables in small spaces.
If anyone knows a better way please do speak up!!
Jointing wise I'll just strip off a little insulation and solder on - I have yet to find a more secure way of joining cables in small spaces.
If anyone knows a better way please do speak up!!
RIP - George - 1.9DG '85 AutoSleeper Trident - rusted away
George Second - 1.9DG '89 Caravelle
George Second - 1.9DG '89 Caravelle
- 937carrera
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Re: I want headlights like a Scandinavian...
If you used a fuseholder as the connector, then you could simply insert / remove the fuse for Scandi /UK wiring. That's what Saabs have
https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/inline-s ... older.html
For another quid you can even have a built in LED
Let the debate on connection methods commence
https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/inline-s ... older.html
For another quid you can even have a built in LED
Let the debate on connection methods commence
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine
- T25Convert
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Re: I want headlights like a Scandinavian...
937carrera wrote:If you used a fuseholder as the connector, then you could simply insert / remove the fuse for UK /Scandi wiring. That's what Saabs have
https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/inline-s ... older.html
For another quid you can even have a built in LED
Let the debate on connection methods commence
Legend.
That's a nice easy way to have a connection that I can disable easily and safely in the future.
I'll E D I T the bit above and say I'm using scotchlocks, that should liven things up
RIP - George - 1.9DG '85 AutoSleeper Trident - rusted away
George Second - 1.9DG '89 Caravelle
George Second - 1.9DG '89 Caravelle
- Wychall
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Re: I want headlights like a Scandinavian...
My only concern would be whether there was a back feed problem such that applying the ignition feed to the headlight switch would also cause the sidelights to come on. I haven't checked a wiring diagram to be able to decide either way.
.
South African 1991 2.5i Microbus - now sadly rehomed to pay for a Melco EMT16X Embroidery Machine.
South African 1991 2.5i Microbus - now sadly rehomed to pay for a Melco EMT16X Embroidery Machine.
- T25Convert
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Re: I want headlights like a Scandinavian...
Just to complete the thread, I can confirm that making a fused connection between terminals X and 56 on the rear of the switch gives me dipped beam headlights when the ignition is on, and the headlight switch operates as it should. No unexpected back feeding or other unintended consequences.
RIP - George - 1.9DG '85 AutoSleeper Trident - rusted away
George Second - 1.9DG '89 Caravelle
George Second - 1.9DG '89 Caravelle
- captain Byrne
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Re: I want headlights like a Scandinavian...
I've travelled a lot in Scandinavia including Finland last Year. I guarantee you will not get stopped or fined if you don't put your lights on. The worst that will happen is that you may get flashed once or twice if you forget. I have a brightly coloured notice saying "LIGHTS" on the dash, so whenever I start the van I see the sign & turn them on. Simple.
1983 LHD Westfalia poptop 1.9 DG petrol.
- T25Convert
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Re: I want headlights like a Scandinavian...
captain Byrne wrote:I've travelled a lot in Scandinavia including Finland last Year. I guarantee you will not get stopped or fined if you don't put your lights on. The worst that will happen is that you may get flashed once or twice if you forget. I have a brightly coloured notice saying "LIGHTS" on the dash, so whenever I start the van I see the sign & turn them on. Simple.
I agree for most it is low risk, but I seem to attract attention. On my last long eurpean trip I was stopped and searched by pretty much every local police force and border staff, so I'm feeling a bit twitchy!
RIP - George - 1.9DG '85 AutoSleeper Trident - rusted away
George Second - 1.9DG '89 Caravelle
George Second - 1.9DG '89 Caravelle
- captain Byrne
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Re: I want headlights like a Scandinavian...
Fair enough. Enjoy Finland, it's fantastic!
1983 LHD Westfalia poptop 1.9 DG petrol.
- 937carrera
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Re: I want headlights like a Scandinavian...
T25Convert wrote:Just to complete the thread, I can confirm that making a fused connection between terminals X and 56 on the rear of the switch gives me dipped beam headlights when the ignition is on, and the headlight switch operates as it should. No unexpected back feeding or other unintended consequences.
Thanks for posting back, reading a wiring diagram and figuring out a solution is one thing, nothing like doing it in practice
1981 RHD 2.0 Aircooled Leisuredrive project, CU engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine
1990 RHD 1.9 Auto Sleeper with DF/DG engine