Xantia headlamp improvements

lolingram · Post by **lolingram** » 17 Feb 2008, 18:31

As the find activity is US, I am asking for some help to improve the lighting on our 2 Xantias - a MK1, and a MK2.

Apart from the Phillips Vision Plus (and other) bulbs, I have checked the voltage at the bulbs with engine running, and with battery showing 14.2V, I am getting 12.62V at the bulbs... is it worth installing a couple of relays - 1 each for main and dipped functions, which for simplicity could be auto exited from the bulb terminals, with a direct fused feed straight from the battery?

Help appreciated.

Post by **CitroJim** » 18 Feb 2008, 08:26

Hi Lol,

If only it were just the search function that was duff. I've been struggling to post anything since Saturday

A relay feed to the headlamps will make a great difference. It is quite a significant voltage drop you're seeing there. It's my next job to do on mu MK1. In the meantime I'm finding Osram Silverstars are doing a wonderful job; I recommend them highly. These bulbs are now available from GSF Mail order.

The relay wiring is very easy. Just take a fused supply directly from the battery to the bulbs via relays and use the old dip/main beam feeds to operate the relays. Use one relay for dip and another for main beam. A side benefit of using relays is you'll never have any throuble with the dipswitch contacts on the stalk.

lolingram · Post by **lolingram** » 18 Feb 2008, 15:59

I forgot to mention that the volts drop also clearly includes any earth return losses... any idea if it will mean running earths direct to the bulbs?

A relay feed to the headlamps will make a great difference. It is quite a significant voltage drop you're seeing there. It's my next job to do on mu MK1. In the meantime I'm finding Osram Silverstars are doing a wonderful job; I recommend them highly. These bulbs are now available from GSF Mail order.

The relay wiring is very easy. Just take a fused supply directly from the battery to the bulbs via relays and use the old dip/main beam feeds to operate the relays. Use one relay for dip and another for main beam. A side benefit of using relays is you'll never have any throuble with the dipswitch contacts on the stalk.
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Jim

Post by **CitroJim** » 18 Feb 2008, 16:05

lolingram wrote:I forgot to mention that the volts drop also clearly includes any earth return losses... any idea if it will mean running earths direct to the bulbs

It will certainly be a good idea to do so Lol. I'd take new earths directly back to the earth plate adjacent to the battery.

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 18 Feb 2008, 17:20

hi Lol i did this recently - about 1 hour and £10

pm me if you want more info

i did a posting on it somewhere, just off home now, back on later

John

lolingram · Post by **lolingram** » 18 Feb 2008, 20:55

What relays did you use?
I see you run the only Jap bike that is worth the name....

hi Lol i did this recently - about 1 hour and £10

pm me if you want more info

i did a posting on it somewhere, just off home now, back on later

John
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99 -Xan TD LX
98 -VFR**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff] 800 F1

jgra1 · Post by **jgra1** » 18 Feb 2008, 21:00

ooh

that will upset a few million bikers !

but thanks..

relays, I will check but just some I had lying about from some citroen.. probably 15 amp ones..

any wrecker will have them for peanuts

worth getting a bag full, as halfords charge about 10 each !

brought new cable, 15 or 20 amps, some female spades, thats about it....

will measure voltage later or tomorrow

John