LED Headlights, Sidelight Query

Topcat11 · Jul 27, 2021

Evening, I recently fitted a pair of non-halo LED headlights and they are great but for some reason the dipped beam comes on as soon as I turn the sidelights on. If I turn the dipped lights on and off again, the dipped beam goes out for a few seconds then comes back on again.

Is this to do with the relay under the dash? I've heard that this sometimes needs bypassing but not sure why or what the result will be when it is removed.

bluedog333 · Jul 27, 2021

Something to do with the dim/dip relay and the lack of current the Leds are pulling through it. Hopefully someone will be along shortly with the answer! May an adjustable relay?

miktdish · Jul 27, 2021

I knew a guy who fitted those too. He complained in the winter that when it snowed his lights went dim to non-existent after about 10 mins of driving as the snow stuck to the glass.
My friend suggested he fit two 55W halogen heaters inside the lens's

Yes, bypass/remove the pink relay.

Topcat11 · Jul 27, 2021

bluedog333 said:
Something to do with the dim/dip relay and the lack of current the Leds are pulling through it. Hopefully someone will be along shortly with the answer! May an adjustable relay?

Lack of current was my thought, but can't quite figure out why that would effect the relay as you can operate a relay without a load even connected?

miktdish said:
I knew a guy who fitted those too. He complained in the winter that when it snowed his lights went dim to non-existent after about 10 mins of driving as the snow stuck to the glass.
My friend suggested he fit two 55W halogen heaters inside the lens's

Yes, bypass/remove the pink relay.

Crikey that's a good point and something I never considered! Although it's rare driving in snow at night that is quite some consideration..!

miktdish · Jul 28, 2021

Topcat11 said:
<snip> Although it's rare driving in snow at night that is quite some consideration..!

It's kinda normal up here in Scotland ...

v8250 · Jul 28, 2021

@Topcat11 , do be careful on this...currently, upgrading from H4 Halogen headlights is an MOT fail. I looked into this when changing my headlamps, finally fitting WIPAC Crytals with Optimax Nightbreaker bulbs [combined, they provide excellent lighting]

https://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/blog/are-led-headlights-legal-in-the-uk/

>>Please note that since January 2021, the MOT Inspection manual has been updated to include LED bulbs.

Section 4.1.4 now states the following:

“Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.”

This is a brand new update that seems to only focus on headlights.

There are no mentions to fail other LED bulbs such as brake lights, tail lights or reversing lights.<<

MJE · Jul 28, 2021

As I read it, Topcat says he's fitted LED headlamps. Not fitted LED bulbs in to Halogen headlamps.

Topcat11 · Jul 28, 2021

Good points both, yes I did buy complete units and I have to say the beam pattern is very impressive with a clear flat top and flick up to the left (technical terms). I have read several threads and I know there is constant debate on how legal etc they are.

If they prove to be problematic in any way I'll replace them with new halogens, the old ones were past it and not worth saving.

I have to say I despise being blinded by cheap HID conversions which have no beam pattern and generally seem to be pointed as high as possible, hopefully new MOT laws will sort them out!

frog hopper · Jul 29, 2021

v8250 said:
@Topcat11 , do be careful on this...currently, upgrading from H4 Halogen headlights is an MOT fail. I looked into this when changing my headlamps, finally fitting WIPAC Crytals with Optimax Nightbreaker bulbs [combined, they provide excellent lighting]

https://www.autobulbsdirect.co.uk/blog/are-led-headlights-legal-in-the-uk/

>>Please note that since January 2021, the MOT Inspection manual has been updated to include LED bulbs.

Section 4.1.4 now states the following:

“Existing halogen headlamp units should not be converted to be used with high intensity discharge (HID) or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. If such a conversion has been done, you must fail the headlamp.”

This is a brand new update that seems to only focus on headlights.

There are no mentions to fail other LED bulbs such as brake lights, tail lights or reversing lights.<<

Be even better with a "Boomslang" type harness - I made my own.

v8250 · Jul 30, 2021

+1 to relayed lighting ccts - fitted a Boomslang to mine, wished I'd made my own.

bluedog333 · Jul 30, 2021

frog hopper said:
Be even better with a "Boomslang" type harness - I made my own.

Any chance of a basic shopping list and circuit diagram please chap? Thanks!

v8250 · Jul 30, 2021

Here's a simple relay diagram - parts can be bought from Auto Electrical Supplies, Car Builder Solutions and Vehicle Wiring Products

frog hopper · Jul 30, 2021

bluedog333 said:
Any chance of a basic shopping list and circuit diagram please chap? Thanks!

Exactly as above ^^^^^^^^ and overspec the wireing, ie ; 4mm feeds from battery and also to earth, anything to help all those little angry pixies get to the bulbs without getting held up anywhere.

To be serious for a minute, don't take my word for wire size, check with suppliers and then add some more.
It cost me more to make my own as I got all anal about it and added extra fuse capacity for spots and to make additional upgrades in the future easier.

frog hopper · Jul 30, 2021

A couple of random shots of mine.

LED Headlights, Sidelight Query

Topcat11

Member

bluedog333

Well-Known Member

miktdish

Guns n Chainsaws

Topcat11

Member

miktdish

Guns n Chainsaws

v8250

Well-Known Member

MJE

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Topcat11

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frog hopper

Well-Known Member

v8250

Well-Known Member

bluedog333

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v8250

Well-Known Member

frog hopper

Well-Known Member

frog hopper

Well-Known Member

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