Thread: 12v relay drop out problem

Install a discharge diode across the coil

That's was kind of what I was thinking.

A silicon diode drops around 0.6V in the forward direction so 2-3 diodes in line from the high beam to the relay should kill it quicker.

That was my first thought, diodes in series to reduce those 3 volts.
Diode across the coil isn't going to help, that's more for back emf's, I still have a small amount of voltage holding the coil in when the lights are on, kill the lights and those 3 volts are gone.

Is this normal on other vehicles as well? Seems odd - why 3v?

Have you checked for any other issues causing it, like an earth problem on the headlights? You could try grounding the lights via another wire just to see if it makes any difference?

Yeah Justin I did think of doing that, I thought it seemed odd, but after having a bit of a Google in regards to it, it seemed to come up a bit, mainly on European sites/cars. Will try an earth first.

Sorry to butt in but, I have fitted LED lights to my trailer, when turned off they continue to 'FLASH' about once every ten seconds. I figured there must be some residual voltage in the system but I know nothing about diodes across anything!!!! It's not a problem just different figured the battery wouldn't go flat for about two years with that draw.
Any comments?

Regards

Mike

Originally Posted by Judo

Is this normal on other vehicles as well? Seems odd - why 3v?

Have you checked for any other issues causing it, like an earth problem on the headlights? You could try grounding the lights via another wire just to see if it makes any difference?

Well unplugged the headlights tonight, problem went away, stupid me should have know better, must have consumed a couple to many whilst tinkering on the car.
Time for a headlight wiring upgrade