Thread: Head Light upgrade

Hello from Brisbane.

The most common/useful upgrade is to substitute relays at the lamps with a direct connection to the alternator for the present u/s arrangement. Increases the effectiveness of the lamps considerably and takes pressure off the flimsy lamp hi-lo beam switch.

Same operation was common on VW beetles.

Cheers,

Neil

Sorry Neil,
But ????
most normal Series owners may understand,
But Im not normal.
More simple please.
whb

Hello White Hill Billy

Try this link and follow through the two pages. It may assist you. Accessed June 13, 2017 from headlight and relay questions

Visit Traxide's site and there is a full description of what to do and a kit available Headlight Wiring Kits | TRAXIDE - RV | Traxide - RV

Information from another supplier... Accessed June 13, 2017 from TWIN HEADLIGHT RELAY NEW ERA 12 VOLT 12V NEW NLR-132 30A 30 AMPS
The site also includes some suggested circuit diagrams if you click on their different pages....

You can do these relays and also buy an upgrade kit to make the headlights H4 or Halogen - or some other flasher newer technology of headlight. I went up to H4 with relays and I am happy to leave it at that.

Kind Regards
Lionel

Hello again.

The standard Series (and some later models) have a fairly primitive lighting circuit. Basically the power runs from the battery, alternator/generator through the light switch and dip switch to the headlights and back. Along the way there is a fair drop of power and in the case of S3's common damage to the column mounted dip switch.

The modification uses one or two relay switches (electromagnetic switches) mounted on the side of the radiator support panel close to the headlights. These take power through a decent size wire from the alternator through the main relay circuit and headlamps and back to an earth or the battery - this circuit has both high and low beam components. The normal circuit wires to the lamps are rerouted to the secondary circuit in the relays. When the lights are turned on the power to the relays through the original lamp circuit switches on the relay and connects the new circuit to the lamps. When the high beam is activated by the dip switch that circuit activates the part of the relay that is connected to the high beam part of the new direct circuit to the lamps.

Because the new circuit is shorter and relatively direct the lights get more juice. The relay switches don't require much power and because the old circuit is under less pressure than before it is less prone to breaking down.

Google or use YouTube for "fitting relays to Land Rover or VW headlamps" and the wiring diagram and a clearer explanation should emerge. It is a common fix.

Cheers,

Neil

Phillips +35 bulbs - a significant improvement for just $80.
Planning to add the Traxide wiring loom too.

As already mentioned by others.....a couple of relays and some simple re-wiring will improve the headlights.

Isuzu C240 powered Series 3

Mine had already been done by a previous owner but I had to replace the relays & re-wire because of corrosion.
Try and find a company that supplies auto electricians, there can be significant savings over buying from Autobarn/SuperCheap etc.
I found one locally and can walk in & get trade prices. Globes etc. are less than 1/2 the price of SuperCheap.


Colin

Hi.
Thank you for the replies and links.
remember pulling a couple of relays off the inner RH guard.
they were not connected to anything. Old owner may have been heading down an improved light path.

whitehillbilly

Hmm you have got me thinking. The previous owner of my S3 has wired the high beam to a separate switch. I'll have to go hunting and see if they setup some sort of relay system.