Author Topic: Dim Headlight relay fix  (Read 6245 times)

Carl Boger

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Dim Headlight relay fix
« on: April 04, 2020, 02:16:43 AM »
Since I have a little extra time at home right now I thought I would look into doing the dim headlight fix using relays.  I watched the video and thought simple enough lets get to it.  When I opened my panel it showed that the headlights where on circuit breaker position #3, and the low beams were on post 4 with the high beams on post 5.  So far so good.  I find the wire on post 4 that has 12 volts with the lights on and screw it down to the back of the post.  Then I move on to post 5 the high beams and there are 3 wires going to it not just 2 as in the video.

I find the wire that has the 12 volts with the light on and moved it to the back and screwed it down.  Now the figure out the other 2 wires.  I pulled them out of the loom and all 3 wires have Hi Beam printed on them.

Now I am not sure how to do this fix!  Any ideas why 3 wires on the Hi Beams and only 2 wires on the Low beams?
Anyone know how to proceed.  Thanks Carl
Carl

98 Beaver Patriot Savannah
330 hp Cat 3126

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #1 on: April 04, 2020, 02:49:17 AM »
Carl,
The 3rd wire may go to the High Bean indicator on the dash. In any case should not cause any issues making the required hookup.
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Carl Boger

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #2 on: April 04, 2020, 01:51:40 PM »
Thanks Steve,
Was thinking that they are all already in contact with each other anyway.  I didn't think about the light on the dash, and could not understand why it would need a separate wire for each hi beam. 

I'll get back to doing the fix soon will probably ID which wire goes where first.
Carl

98 Beaver Patriot Savannah
330 hp Cat 3126

Stan Simpson

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #3 on: April 04, 2020, 05:54:19 PM »
That's a great idea, Carl. We have been home from Florida since Mar 25, and are in isolation. (miss the grandkids!). As soon as it warms up to a reliable day time temp in the 60s, I'm going to tackle that project. On the wish list for years!
Stan Simpson & Becky Glover & Moe the cat
2005 Monterey Laguna IV
C9 400 Cat
Honda CRV toad
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Carl Boger

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #4 on: April 05, 2020, 02:36:13 AM »
Steve,
 Good Call on the 3rd wire going to the high beam indicator on the dash.  I left it in place and did the rest according to the instructions.  All I  can say is WOW!  At least on my coach it is night and day difference.  For anybody on the fence this is a worthwhile project.  Thanks Everyone Carl
Carl

98 Beaver Patriot Savannah
330 hp Cat 3126

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #5 on: April 05, 2020, 03:40:03 AM »
Carl,
Glad you got it installed. Amazing what ~4 extra DC volts does for headlights. :)
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Bill Sprague

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #6 on: April 05, 2020, 04:13:47 AM »
Carl, it brings a smile everytime someone says they watched my video!

Carl Boger

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #7 on: April 06, 2020, 12:20:15 AM »
Bill thank you for making the video and sharing your knowledge.  If it put a smile on your face that is just a bonus for me.  Carl
Carl

98 Beaver Patriot Savannah
330 hp Cat 3126
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Todd Franklin

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #8 on: September 25, 2020, 03:53:41 PM »
Carl, where can we locate the video for the dim headlight relay?

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #9 on: September 25, 2020, 04:21:24 PM »
Todd,
Bill's video addresses Beavers with the Magnum chassis and is available in the Private BAC Members Only board under Common Problems along with a writeup.
There is also a writeup for Roadmaster chassis coaches that I put together after installing the fix in our 07 Contessa. It and the Magnum chassis writeup and video are located in Coach Assist wiring diagrams (at end of list) on the Private  BAC Members only  board.
Steve
Steve
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2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Todd Franklin

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #10 on: September 25, 2020, 04:30:56 PM »
Thanks Steve!  I just put new headlights and bulbs in our 08 Contessa and was underwhelmed.... I was thinking relays and this should be just what I'm looking for!

Carl Boger

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #11 on: September 25, 2020, 11:02:53 PM »
Todd,
Steve beat me to answering the question, but if you have a low voltage issue I think you will be happy with the fix.  The improvement is remarkable.
Carl

98 Beaver Patriot Savannah
330 hp Cat 3126

Steve Huber Co-Admin

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #12 on: September 25, 2020, 11:56:28 PM »
Todd,
In addition to checking the voltage, make sure the headlights are aimed properly. The brightest headlight in the world won't be effective if it is mis-aimed.
Steve
Steve
2015-          07 Contessa Bayshore C9,  400 hp
2013-2015: 00 Marquis Tourmaline, C12, 425 hp
2005-2013: 01 Contessa Naples, 3126B, 330 hp

Bill Sprague

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #13 on: September 26, 2020, 02:57:52 AM »
Carl, where can we locate the video for the dim headlight relay?

Todd,

The video with Roy Mueller has always been on YouTube.  It is in two parts because there used to be a 8 minute limit.  A few more views and it will be at 11,000, which is hard to believe. 

Fun (for me) story was being at a reputable RV repair shop.  A Beaver friend was excited that his headlights were made brighter.  I asked to see what they did.  He showed me his new relays.   Apparently one of the techs had watched the video because the new parts were in exactly the same place Roy put them.   

Peter Whiting

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Re: Dim Headlight relay fix
« Reply #14 on: September 30, 2020, 01:37:40 PM »
We have a 2008 Contessa.  The low beam headlights are not only dim, they aren't working at all.  In the electrical bay, there are two headlight relays (see attached image) which I presume means the modification has been made.  There is also the headlight fuse.  I swapped out the relays with the spare that is found at the bottom of the board. The fuse link is intact.  The lights still do not work.  The dimmer switch or an open in the wiring circuit seems to be the only thing left as I presume that both headlights would not be burned out at the same time.  The dimmer switch doesn't feel right when actuated so it may be the culprit.

I have searched the internet and can't find a replacement dimmer switch. Any ideas where one might be found?

2008 Beaver Contessa Pacifica 40