[Vwdiesel] no headlights 85 jetta

[James Hansen]

I had a fire in the dash once from those stock headlamp switches, they
overheat and can melt if they get internal resistance from oxidation.
All my old ones get breaker protected relays in the engine compartment now.

-----Original Message-----
From: vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com [mailto:vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com] On
Behalf Of Chris Jude
Sent: February-10-12 3:02 PM
To: Doyt W. Echelberger
Cc: vwdiesel at audifans.com
Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] no headlights 85 jetta

Thanks for all the advice guys.  I had thought I'd read abuot these
upgrades, and the problems with the stock switches.  I think I may be buying
a TDI to get this one off the road for awhile so that I can upgrade a number
of things, seats, wiring, etc...

Chris

On Fri, Feb 10, 2012 at 1:43 PM, Doyt W. Echelberger <
doyt at buckeye-express.com> wrote:

> Even if you do get the original components working correctly again, 
> your lights would end up much brighter by adding relays and heavier 
> wiring, including the ground wires. This would increase the voltage 
> that gets to the bulbs without being diminished by series resistance.
> Here is a web site that will educate you on the details, and offer a 
> source of materials:
> http://danielsternlighting.**com/ <http://danielsternlighting.com/> 
> Several years ago I used the Dan Stern site twice as a source and was 
> satisfied with the results.
> Roger Brown also offers a kit, and suggests the Dan Stern site for 
> details. http://www.4crawler.com/**Diesel/CheapTricks/Headlights.**
> shtml#OnLineOrdering<http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/CheapTricks/Headli
> ghts.shtml#OnLineOrdering> In addition to all the other advice, I urge 
> you to use MARINE GRADE components, to avoid  deterioration from heat, 
> salt spray and moisture under the hood.....I'm talking mainly about 
> connectors and terminals.
> http://www.firstchoicemarine.**com/c-220-components.aspx<http://www.fi
> rstchoicemarine.com/c-220-components.aspx>
> (Or check at your local marina supply house if there is boating in 
> your
> area.)
> I did the conversion and then had to replace all the connectors after 
> a year of salt spray on Ohio winter roads.
> I ended up replacing everything with marine-grade connectors and then 
> sealed them in plastic ziplock bags.
> Installing, testing and adjusting all the components took the best 
> part of an afternoon, working inside in a well-lighted shop. The 
> results were very satisfying increases in illumination, from stock
headlights.
> Doyt Echelberger
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> At 10:16 PM 2/9/2012, you wrote:
>
>> I turned my car on this evening and the headlights would not come on.
>>  ...snip... Is this a switch issue?  Is there a
>> simple fix?   Chris
>>
>
>
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