Wiring to front lights
Discussion
Following my little "Belgium bump" the car is all ready for its re-MOT and vehicle identity check (because insurers have declared it a cat C write off).
Anyway, I've fitted one of my spare bonnets and after pondering how to tidy up the wiring and get a decent connection to all the lights I came up with this idea. This takes everything into the bonnet in "one go" rather than having connections very vulnerably positioned near both hinges.
These 13 pin plugs are replacing the old style 7 pin caravan/trailer plugs. Headlamps obviously draw a lot more current than tail lights but I'm guessing the connection are way oversized to make them more durable plus there are plenty spare I can always double up using some of the spare ones.
Anyway, I've fitted one of my spare bonnets and after pondering how to tidy up the wiring and get a decent connection to all the lights I came up with this idea. This takes everything into the bonnet in "one go" rather than having connections very vulnerably positioned near both hinges.
These 13 pin plugs are replacing the old style 7 pin caravan/trailer plugs. Headlamps obviously draw a lot more current than tail lights but I'm guessing the connection are way oversized to make them more durable plus there are plenty spare I can always double up using some of the spare ones.
Interesting solution, the Caravan connections are a good idea I used a similar system a couple of years ago I bought some "waterproof" connectors to replace the existing ones which were always a problem at MOT time, these new watertight connectors were a disaster far to fiddly to attach the wires within the plug/socket cases, one always broke or came apart, maybe I'm just to clumsy
I resorted to a Tailer type electrical junction box fixed to the plywood just behind the headlight above the inner wheel liner,a pretty dry place,this can be accessed from the front by taking out the headlight and the inner bowl,or by removing the inner wheel arch. I removed the pevious connectors, which dangled around catching all the water and road muck completely, made good crimped connections to all the wires, I made sure they were water tight with heat shrink covers + self amalgamating tape for insurance.
I have had no trouble since I checked a few times after being caught out in heavy rain & the junction boxes were not even damp, the bonus is the lights all work, no worries at MOT or any other time
If I need to take the bonnet off I remove the inner wheel arches & disconnect the wiring inside the junction boxes, not too difficult & worth the piece of mind.
Ian
I resorted to a Tailer type electrical junction box fixed to the plywood just behind the headlight above the inner wheel liner,a pretty dry place,this can be accessed from the front by taking out the headlight and the inner bowl,or by removing the inner wheel arch. I removed the pevious connectors, which dangled around catching all the water and road muck completely, made good crimped connections to all the wires, I made sure they were water tight with heat shrink covers + self amalgamating tape for insurance.
I have had no trouble since I checked a few times after being caught out in heavy rain & the junction boxes were not even damp, the bonus is the lights all work, no worries at MOT or any other time
If I need to take the bonnet off I remove the inner wheel arches & disconnect the wiring inside the junction boxes, not too difficult & worth the piece of mind.
Ian
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