Can I bypass the relay?

[Purple People Eater]

I bought a pair of Hella 700 driving lights, and can't seem to get it straight. I set it all up like the directions tell me to, but they won't turn on. I know I have power and good grounds, because when I bypass the relay, the lights turn right on. But when I plug the harness into the relay, it won't work. I replaced the relay ($5 at AutoZone), and still nothing. I think Hella's wiring system just sucks.

Anywho, is it ok to just not use the relay? Am I going to blow my lights? Or what am I doing wrong?

 

[flyingwil]

I bought a pair of Hella 700 driving lights, and can't seem to get it straight. I set it all up like the directions tell me to, but they won't turn on. I know I have power and good grounds, because when I bypass the relay, the lights turn right on. But when I plug the harness into the relay, it won't work. I replaced the relay ($5 at AutoZone), and still nothing. I think Hella's wiring system just sucks.

Anywho, is it ok to just not use the relay? Am I going to blow my lights? Or what am I doing wrong?

You need the relay if you plan on using the lights for other than just flashing them on and off. You should be able to trouble shoot the harness. Start with the fuse, and work your way up. Hell has a good customer support that should be able to help assist you with your porblem.

 

[madizell]

Generally, off road lights draw too much power to wire directly through an ordinary switch. Two lights at 100W each, running on common automotive current of 13.75 volts, will draw between 7 and 8 amps each, or 14 to 16 amps total. This would require a switch and wiring capable of working continuously at upwards of 20A. While it can be done, using the relay as the high current switch allows for the use of a simpler and lighter duty switch inside the cab, and allows the use of light duty low amp wiring to make the longer runs from cab to relay, leaving the shorter heavy run from relay to battery source.

So, they have a purpose and should be used. Sounds as if the fuse is blown or left out entirely. If you have a multi-tester you can check each wire into and out of the relay for power. If these are brand new, it is most likely something simple. Start with the fuse. Don't run the lights around the relay by using the switch provided to trigger the relay as it is not rated to handle the load.

 

[Purple People Eater]

If these are brand new, it is most likely something simple. Start with the fuse. Don't run the lights around the relay by using the switch provided to trigger the relay as it is not rated to handle the load.

I checked the fuse, and it seemed fine. I replaced it anyway, and still nothing. I have examined everything... every connection, ground, everything. I tested the power by putting a paperclip into 30 and 87 while the relay was disconnected, and they lit up. And like I said, I bought a brand new relay, so I don't think it's that. When it is connected though, and I toggle the switch, the switch doesn't glow. This system came came pre-wired, and I know I'm not THAT stupid, so this is a little frustrating.

Should I cut the wires on the pre-wired harness and just attach them straight to the relay?

 

[Paul R]

Hell has a good customer support that should be able to help assist you with your porblem.

Hmmm... I always figured hell was like trying to work over the phone with a CSR who didn't care and couldn't speak english... That is some good information now I don't have to try to act so good

Have you checked to see if there is power going through the switch? ie receiving 12vdc on 85? If you have power on 85 and 86 has a good ground then you have a bad relay new or not...

 

[madizell]

I wouldn't cut up the pre-wired harness unless or until I had verified that there was something wrong with the way it is wired. Broken wire hidden somewhere, colors revered so that power is being fed to the wrong post on the relay. Something like that. Otherwise, all you may be doing is putting new ends on the same problem.

 

[madizell]

Just for the heck of it, compare your wiring and wiring diagram to one of these. Several look common and correct for wiring lights. Someone might just have pressed the wrong wire end into the wrong port on the plug, in which case you might need to release one or more of the brass fittings and swap them around.


http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=relay+wiring+diagram&um=1&ie=UTF-8


Here is an enlargement of one that is particular to lights:

http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/reading/relay-diagram.gif

 

[Purple People Eater]

Here is an enlargement of one that is particular to lights:

http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/reading/relay-diagram.gif

Holy crap, thank you Madizell. The directions didn't say I needed a power source to the toggle switch at all, and therein lies my problem/solution. Hooked up another line with a fuse and it works like a charm now. This is obviously my first wiring job. Thanks for responding, fellas.

Peace.

 

[madizell]

You are entirely welcome. Glad we could help.