Dim Dip function on headlights

[jon h]

Having had to use the Cerbera for a fortnight as a commuter hack, I have decided that the headlights need further improvement. I currently have “tuscan” style lights fitted and recently modified them so that main and dip are on at the same time when main beam is on which was a useful improvement, but dip beam is very poor still. This is largely due to the voltage drop from the boot mounted control boxes, I believe, so the bulbs only get about 10 volts.

I am considering 2 options: HID upgrade for dip beam, or wire the existing lights via a relay so the original wiring actuates the relay which delivers a direct feed from the battery.

However, does anyone have any experience of doing this, because I am wondering what impact the Dim Dip function has. As I understand it, the dim dip box in the boot delivers a lower voltage to the dip beam lamps when side lights are selected, (despite there being a separate side light bulb) How does this work alongside either of the options I am thinking of? I am guessing I should disable the dim dip function somehow and just rely on the side light bulb (I never drive on sidelights anyway)

Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance

Jon H

[alinton]

Hey Jon, I did exactly this some months ago. I fitted HIDs AND rewired the feeds so the lamps are fed from the battery via a relay and a fuse rather than all the way from the fusebox.

You will need to get rid of the 7 volts which partially lights the headlights when sides are on; That entails just disconnecting (cutting) one wire on the dim/dip box. I think its the black/blue, but maybe someone else could confirm? My car's round at its second home tonight (the mechanic) so I can't check.

But if no-one can help I'll look tomorrow eve.

Second, you need to modify the control box so the dips stay on with the mains, if thats not done already have a search for my previous posts for a pictorial guide!

As regards the relays, I used two, one for each light, and mounted them inside the wing, just inside the headlamp access hole actually. The old headlamp wires feed the relays' coils, other side to a nice ground on one of the front chassis rails, and the feed to the relays comes direct from the battery, into a 30A fuse then to the relays.

It all works a treat.

Many people will probably pipe up about the legalities of after-market HIDs, but if you don't mention it I wont, and mine passed the MOT with them anyway.

Good luchk!

Andy.

[jon h]

Cheers Andy that is exactly the info I needed. I have already tweaked the light control box to make dip/main stay on together.

Jon

[alinton]

Just to confirm, to stop the dip lights coming on dimly with the sidelights, disconnect the red/black wire from the dim/dip switching unit.

Andy.

[JensenA]

Thought this was going to be easy! I'll learn one ay
In the boot I have a 'Light Control' unit, I take it that is NOT the Dim/Dip switch?? I suppose your going to tell me its the box tucked deep inside th car, up to the left of the Instrument binnacle thingy?

[alinton]

No, in the boot there is another box, called dim/dip control unit. In my car its on the driver's side, its smaller than the other one.

Thats the one with the wire you have to cut!

rgds

A.

[JensenA]

Thanks Andy - Did it yesterday, the easiest fix I have ever done on the car "Snip - Sorted" Cheers