23 replies to this topic

[josh.evans]

hi i want to some how wire so when the main beam is on via the left stalk i want the dipped beam on aswell so dipped and main are on at the same time as when im on dark country roads i find that main beams isnt enough really so i have to go along holding the stalk pulling it forward so both are on. because then you push the stalk forward only the main beam part of the bulb is on?

can someone help?

thanks
josh

[pikey7]

the main beam switch is a changeover so you have one or the other. To have both would mean you were putting an incredible amount of power down titchy thin wires and through switches. You'll have an electrical fire on your hands in 5 minutes. The other thing to consider is the heat... you'll melt the headlight!

sort out the root cause first. why are your mains so weak?

[tedmcedd]

as pikey7 has said its not really an option... why not get some better bulbs (if you have halogens) if you dont, why not get halogens?

[DAVEY_C]

i was gonna say the same... my lights were crap till i got better bulbs.... i live up country roads too but they done the trick

[josh.evans]

i have good headlight the wipac freeforms and some good philps bulbs it just when im on a dark road i can see much better with main and dip on

i dont think i will be doing that no more as i think your right about melting the wires

i suppose its just a mini thing

[pikey7]

are they adjusted properly?

[nicksuth]

Get some extra driving lamps/spots - simples !!

[Wil_h]

When I had a clubman with twin headlights (one main dip, one full beam) I wanted a similar effect.

I don't understand why the wiring would be a problem, the seperate elements are fed by seperate suitable wires. Not looking at a diagram I'm not 100% that they are on the same supply to the switch, but this has to be suitably rated for both, as both are on when you flash. In any case when i did it, my car never went up in flames, and I wil have considered the implications (I have a degree in electical engineering).

So, how did I do it? I basically modified the contact arrangement in the stalk, so that the dip beam did not disconnect when you pushed the stalk away (a bit of clever bending).

My worry is that you may overheat the lamp as it contains both elements, and I'm not sure I'd do it without some testing first. If I were you I'd fit some spot lights, you can get nice descreet ones these days.

[pikey7]

not worried about the feeds.. more the earths.

[Wil_h]

Can't think how the -ve is wired on the headlamp, but it must be rated for maximum possible current, otherwise everytime you flashed someone with your headlights on they'd go off.

[pikey7]

you would imagine they would be larger than "necessary" yeah. I doubt they could cope long term though. Mini wiring seems borderline at the best of times!

[Cerberus]

Its not really just a mini thing.

I had similar issues with my fiesta. I got some halfords brighter bulbs and it helped. Aligning the headlights helped more though.


I would imagine some spots would help though, and not ruin your headlights,

[Dan]

I'll check the regulations but I'm fairly sure it's also illegal, as well as potentially dangerous. If you wanted to do it you should employ a relay to power the dipped beam while the main is on because the latching side of the dip switch connects both circuits to the same source. The dip switch cannot run 230 watts without suffering.

but it must be rated for maximum possible current, otherwise everytime you flashed someone with your headlights on they'd go off

Time is a factor. The earth cable is the same size as each of the supply cables. As you suggest, heat would be the major problem and would eventually destroy the lamp.

Fit spot lamps.

[josh.evans]

lights are set to mot standard. i think the heat would cause problems as the wipacs are plastic fronted

[stevede]

You know what you need Josh?

You need some of these you do !!