wiring blower

[froggy]

Hi, I need to fit relay to the ignition switch on my mk1 Xantia. Can anyone tell me what size wire I will need to buy , or anything else that I need to buy , sorry for the obvious questions, but Iam very green electrically. cheers Terry . Its to solve the usual blower problems,

[Stepto1]

This is one of those jobs that's tricky to understand before doing it but seems easy after! The relay,(I used a 30A one from Maplins) just sits in the supply from the battery that used to go through the ignition switch. The only wires you need are to act as a trigger for the relay. I just used some wire I found in the garage. If you're not sure it will take it, double it up. If it looks up to it, I'm sure it will be. The circuit is already fused so all is well. Don't use the knackered contacts in the ignition switch but instead, follow the guide on here and use the new ones. Works a treat. Did mine about a month ago and no probs. Good luck.

[dnsey]

The only wires you need are to act as a trigger for the relay. I just used some wire I found in the garage. If you're not sure it will take it, double it up. If it looks up to it, I'm sure it will be. The circuit is already fused so all is well.

While the relay doesn't require much in the way of wire to feed the coil, you really shouldn't use anything suitable for less current than the fuse rating, otherwise a short circuit could still start a fire

[CitroJim]

30A wire will be good but what I would advise is the investment in a very good crimping tool for the connections. These cheap ones you see all over the place are rubbish and can make unreliable joints...

As Steptoe says, a not a bad job at all. It's a lot easier than it looks...

[froggy]

Thanks all, Would Halfords be a good place to get the crimping tool Jim.

[Stepto1]

Fair point about the wire. I meant any that looks beefy enough, not any old wire that's too thin.

I found the trick is to realise that there are not two red wires running from the ignition switch, just one red wire running through it. Once you get your head around that it's easy, just sort out the trigger to the relay. How Citroen ever thought it would last is beyond me.

[lexi]

Try here for crimp tool. http://www.vehicle-wiring-products.eu/V ... crimps.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The one at £8.95 is ok.
I think the one at £3.95 may be the cheapo one to avoid that Jim refers to.

I prefer the non insulated terminals with the add on clear silicone rubber insulators.

[RichardW]

There should be enough heavy duty wire there already to do the load side of the relay - thin wire for the switching side is plenty good enough - the current is low.

[froggy]

Thanks guys. Where is the best place to source the " 40 amp relay " . cheers Terry .

[CitroJim]

Any good factors will have relays Terry...

[Old-Guy]

Any good factors will have relays Terry...

...and a professional crimping tool. I think mine was about £15 - it makes crimping so much easier and you get a neat strong crimp every time.