Has anyone re-wired their headlights with a relay?

02Tahoe2Quick · October 28, 2003

I know many cars/trucks run the positive power for the headlamps through the headlight on/off switch. The small AWG wire and the length of the run, AND going through the switch generally causes a large drop in voltage.

I havent looked through the wiring diagrams for my 02 HOE yet, but I assume GM did it this way as well?

Does anyone know for sure?

If this is the case, I would like to wire up the headlights directly to the battery using a few relays?

In my Ford days (I know... a Ford) I did this and saw about a 50% increase in headlamp brightness. It was amazing.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Rodric

Tree_Hugger · October 28, 2003

If Chevy are currently doing this (running headlamps directly through the switch) , I'll sue them....

scooter70 · October 28, 2003

I believe that's what the headlight relays under your hood are for.....

PSWired · October 29, 2003

Yes, the OBS trucks run all the current through dinky wires and the headlight switch. I rewired mine with 12 gauge wires and used relays to switch them on and off. Also added a diode between the relay trigger circuits so all 4 lights are on when the highs are on. Combined with some silverstar bulbs and aftermarket lenses, I'm set- 100x better than before and no burning hot headlight switch!

cowboy02 · October 29, 2003

GM has been notorius for having there headlight switches go out for this reason... I thought the newer ones had relays under the hood that did the switching, However I believe that the small wire is still running current through it which is what causes your dash switch to got hot and eventualy burn up.......

SUV LIGHTS

These guy's make a kit along with kennedy diesel that will replace all your current factory wiring and use stronger relays and keep all 4 lights on at the same time. It's a quick option for the lazy and type that don;t like to get there hands too greease or enginer there own solution....

I'm leaning towards the suvlights kit to do the same thing... However after tires and a big a$$ dent I'm strapped for cash.........

Highbeam · October 31, 2003

I installed the suvlights harness on my 98. Very easy and effective. I now have seperate relays for low and high beams and the diode to allow 4 hi. All of this is done with no destruction to the original wiring system, not even those stupid wire splicers. I use the silverstars for lowbeams and Wagner britelites for high and have plenty of light. Very noticeable improvement was also gained with properly aiming the lights, the factory aim was too high.