Headlight relays

[Stanglover]

Well, we live and learn. I just spent several hours working on installing and hiding the relay and harness as best as one can, only to find it did NOT work. The only change I made to the relay kit, was to install a longer power wire and that tested good at the fuse, which was also good. However no headlights working. So, cursing at myself for NOT testing it BEFORE installing, I disconnected the relay loom and reconnected the LED's directly and they worked fine. 

The package should have been a red flag in hindsight. It was just a grey bag. In the ad on Amazon, it showed a product manual, there was no such manual. I had to YouTube it. I suspect now, that this had been bought, found faulty and returned so some other poor bas*ard would have to deal with it again. I guess I'll have a cup of tea, then go rip it out again and send it back. I'm NOT a happy camper today!

On a positive side, I was able to pretty much hide everything so as not to look to out of place. Here's a couple of pics. If I reinstall another relay AFTER testing it!!! I'll do it the same way.

 

[Big Red Mach 1]

That sucks Geoff. Amazon has been getting way worse about sending damaged goods right back out into the marketplace. 

However, your headlights look nice and bright!!! : )

 

[Big Red Mach 1]

I have Rocketman's harness. And although I have not used it yet, it's an obvious quality piece, and he's a site supporter. I'd definitely recommend his product over an Amazon product. 

 

[Stanglover]

I have Rocketman's harness. And although I have not used it yet, it's an obvious quality piece, and he's a site supporter. I'd definitely recommend his product over an Amazon product. 

 YES I agree. I'll for sure order from Bob after this "experience". Actually, I was not aware Bob made them, should have checked, but I was in a rush I guess. It was the same one under a different brand name, that Hemikiller used and he said his was good quality. I got a bad one without doubt. MADE in CHINA sh*t again!!

That sucks Geoff. Amazon has been getting way worse about sending damaged goods right back out into the marketplace. 

However, your headlights look nice and bright!!! : )

 YES they do. I'll run them without the relay for now. 

 

[Big Red Mach 1]

BTW. Here's the real way to hide those relays. (And maybe force more air through your radiator at the same time).  :classic_laugh:

 

[Stanglover]

BTW. Here's the real way to hide those relays. (And maybe force more air through your radiator at the same time).  :classic_laugh:

View attachment 50848

Nice!, but I'm not going that far to hide the relays.

BTW, I have removed the harness ready to send back for refund. I tested for power 12V through the fuse to the relay block and that was good. As I'm not up on electrical stuff, I have to assume that if there is power going in, there ought to be power coming out, but no.. So, not going to piss around with this anymore. Time to talk to Bob aka Rocketman.

 

[NOT A T5]

Bob's a very busy guy, probably won't answer his phone, so better to send an email or just buy the relay kit, you won't be disappointed!

 

[Stanglover]

Bob's a very busy guy, probably won't answer his phone, so better to send an email or just buy the relay kit, you won't be disappointed!

That's the plan now. For me, the downside is paying in US Dollars plus shipping to Canada. Gets expensive. At least the LED's work without the relay, so the relay can be added on at a later date. I'm very disappointed the "made in China" pos didn't work. 

 

[Big Red Mach 1]

That's the plan now. For me, the downside is paying in US Dollars plus shipping to Canada. Gets expensive. At least the LED's work without the relay, so the relay can be added on at a later date. I'm very disappointed the "made in China" pos didn't work. 

I'd hold off until we hear some results back from John (jpaz) about whether the harness really made an impact at all with the LED's. They draw so little amperage compared to the old style headlights that it may not matter much. 

 

[Stanglover]

I'd hold off until we hear some results back from John (jpaz) about whether the harness really made an impact at all with the LED's. They draw so little amperage compared to the old style headlights that it may not matter much. 

 Chris, I was starting to think the same thing. I had no issues with the old Halogen lights, other than perhaps the relay would have made them brighter. I will check the cost of Rocketman's relay and as you suggest, wait for jpaz's results. (or yours)

The next thing I need to do is (when it's not raining) to check the aiming of these lights. I only did it last time against the garage door. I may pop over to my friends shop where he has the headlight aiming equipment. I hate being blinded by all the  (high up) SUV's and truck lights and I wouldn't want to blind anyone else either.

 For now, I have just put everything back together and tided up all the LED wiring.  I think that ends this little saga for now. I hope this has value for other members.

 

[cwalker509]

 Chris, I was starting to think the same thing. I had no issues with the old Halogen lights, other than perhaps the relay would have made them brighter. I will check the cost of Rocketman's relay and as you suggest, wait for jpaz's results. (or yours)

The next thing I need to do is (when it's not raining) to check the aiming of these lights. I only did it last time against the garage door. I may pop over to my friends shop where he has the headlight aiming equipment. I hate being blinded by all the  (high up) SUV's and truck lights and I wouldn't want to blind anyone else either.

 For now, I have just put everything back together and tided up all the LED wiring.  I think that ends this little saga for now. I hope this has value for other members.

I do not have a direct comparison for this but here is what I did.  On my 71 Mach I converted to halogens FIRST with a Hella relay.  I got some crappy lenses (I mean they looked awful) but the halogens were noticeably brighter.  I rather like the halo LED look so I bought a pair of those and swapped them out but retained the relay.  I also put a pair of halo LEDs on the GT-351 WITHOUT a relay.  I did not see a noticeable difference between the two cars but i did not have them side by side BUT I did note I probably pissed off some neighbors in my subdivision driving around at night to check the adjustment (they were a bit high).  I do not think a relay is necessary in my experience if going to LEDs.  I have another relay for my vert that i already offered to a neighbor for his Camaro if he needs it

 

[Hemikiller]

Bummer that the relays were bad. The harness looked to be of good quality with some random cheapo relays. For the $10 I spent, it was worth it to me. I bought mine with the intention of only using the wiring and swapping for a quality set of Bosch or Omron relays that are usually less than $10 each. 

I also had to lengthen the power wire, which I ran to the Batt (+) side of the starter relay. The wires were long enough to run across the strut rod crossmember with the factory harness. Relays were mounted low on the battery side of the radiator support in an existing threaded hole. 

 

[Stanglover]

Bummer that the relays were bad. The harness looked to be of good quality with some random cheapo relays. For the $10 I spent, it was worth it to me. I bought mine with the intention of only using the wiring and swapping for a quality set of Bosch or Omron relays that are usually less than $10 each. 

I also had to lengthen the power wire, which I ran to the Batt (+) side of the starter relay. The wires were long enough to run across the strut rod crossmember with the factory harness. Relays were mounted low on the battery side of the radiator support in an existing threaded hole. 

View attachment 50858

View attachment 50859

View attachment 50860

Thanks for replying. I see some differences on your set compared to the picture you posted of the Amazon ad. The set I got was just like that one, under a different brand name. The ground terminals were very thin and so were the male connectors. I was wondering about the need to ground both relays. I see your set has them joined, so only 1 screw needed. However, there was a ground wire connecting the 2 relays, so 1 screw would be okay. On the video I watched, the guy bolted to 1 relay, as I did. I don't even know if these ARE ground connections, or just a way to install. Anyway it's sent back and Amazon.ca have already refunded my money. 

 

[jpaz]

I'd hold off until we hear some results back from John (jpaz) about whether the harness really made an impact at all with the LED's. They draw so little amperage compared to the old style headlights that it may not matter much. 

I installed my lights yesterday. I really like them! Got to try them on the road tonight and there is a big difference, much brighter than the halogens. I didn’t bother trying to see a difference between relay vs no rely, sorry didn’t have time. But I did take a couple pics of the halogens vs the led. Led on the driver side are brighter and whiter. Last pic is both sides led and I didn’t have the engine running. Very happy so far!

 

[Stanglover]

I installed my lights yesterday. I really like them! Got to try them on the road tonight and there is a big difference, much brighter than the halogens. I didn’t bother trying to see a difference between relay vs no rely, sorry didn’t have time. But I did take a couple pics of the halogens vs the led. Led on the driver side are brighter and whiter. Last pic is both sides led and I didn’t have the engine running. Very happy so far!

John, looking good. All I've been able to do so far is try them in a dark garage. It's been raining here, so I've not been able to get on the road to see how they really look.

Can you take a couple of pics of your wiring solution at the headlights. With the extended wire from the bulb and the driver, which I needed to zip-tie in place, looking somewhat original isn't really possible. I'm just wondering if you found a neater solution to mine. As for the relay, if you use it, can you post pics of your install for comparison. 

 

[jpaz]

Ok, here’s a few pics. I just hid the relay harness that goes over to the drivers side light up in the bumper. My relays are not hidden though. I did have them behind the rad support, but after I had the front end repairs done they put them on the front side of the support. I have been wanting to move them back but haven’t got to it yet. Other than that the connections at the headlights are behind the lights, so not to noticeable. I could probably tape up some of the new wiring so it’s not as noticeable too, but good enough for now.

 

[Stanglover]

Ok, here’s a few pics. I just hid the relay harness that goes over to the drivers side light up in the bumper. My relays are not hidden though. I did have them behind the rad support, but after I had the front end repairs done they put them on the front side of the support. I have been wanting to move them back but haven’t got to it yet. Other than that the connections at the headlights are behind the lights, so not to noticeable. I could probably tape up some of the new wiring so it’s not as noticeable too, but good enough for now.

View attachment 50893

View attachment 50894

Thanks John. 

So, I think you have Rocketman's relay kit. I looked at kits on his website and I would think it's the universal kit we would need to buy, seeing that you have the orange lamp plugs. If this is not Bob's kit, which did you buy? Others have said Bob's kits are really good quality, but none have said which kit. I'm still on the fence about buying relays for use with LED's.

 

[Big Red Mach 1]

Geoff, This is the one. 

HRKU - Headlight Relay Kit, Universal
  The Universal Relay Kit has everything you need to add relays to your headlight circuit - without cutting your original wiring. The -2 model is for cars that have 2 headlights, the -4 version is for cars with 4 sealed beams (seperate high beams).
Included in kit: 2 weatherproof controllers, a 35A auto-reset circuit breaker, power wire, crimp-on connectors and easy to follow instructions.

Benefits:

• Easy to install, and no cutting. Plug a controller into the back of each low beam, run a power feed and you're done.
  
• Redundancy. Each headlight - High, Low, Left, Right has it's own relay and each side has it's own controller.
  
• Each 40/60 Amp 12 Volt sealed relay has Negative Spike Protection built in. This means no spikes or feedback to upset delicate electronics.
  
• Each controller contains an internal auto resetting circuit breaker to isolate left and right sides.
  
• If a controller goes bad, remove it. The OEM circuit will power those bulbs.
  
• The single feed wire is easily hidden and the controllers can be removed for car shows if desired.
  
• Compact size - each controller is only 3x2x1.5.
  
• Kit comes with 35A circuit breaker to power up to 4 halogen lamps at 7.5A each and is auto resetting.
  Notes:
  1 It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that the vehicle's wiring is in suitable condition to supply power to the installed lamps.
  
  

Available?  Yes. Estimated ship date: Saturday, June 26th






HRKU-2
For models with 2 headlights

$99.00

 

[Stanglover]

Geoff, This is the one. 














HRKU - Headlight Relay Kit, Universal
  The Universal Relay Kit has everything you need to add relays to your headlight circuit - without cutting your original wiring. The -2 model is for cars that have 2 headlights, the -4 version is for cars with 4 sealed beams (seperate high beams).
Included in kit: 2 weatherproof controllers, a 35A auto-reset circuit breaker, power wire, crimp-on connectors and easy to follow instructions.

Benefits:

• Easy to install, and no cutting. Plug a controller into the back of each low beam, run a power feed and you're done.
  
• Redundancy. Each headlight - High, Low, Left, Right has it's own relay and each side has it's own controller.
  
• Each 40/60 Amp 12 Volt sealed relay has Negative Spike Protection built in. This means no spikes or feedback to upset delicate electronics.
  
• Each controller contains an internal auto resetting circuit breaker to isolate left and right sides.
  
• If a controller goes bad, remove it. The OEM circuit will power those bulbs.
  
• The single feed wire is easily hidden and the controllers can be removed for car shows if desired.
  
• Compact size - each controller is only 3x2x1.5.
  
• Kit comes with 35A circuit breaker to power up to 4 halogen lamps at 7.5A each and is auto resetting.
  Notes:
  1 It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that the vehicle's wiring is in suitable condition to supply power to the installed lamps.
  
  

Available?  Yes. Estimated ship date: Saturday, June 26th






HRKU-2
For models with 2 headlights

$99.00

Thanks Chris, That's the one I figured it would be. All the others seem to have different type connectors. This is great info for everyone.

I'm on the fence about buying one at this time now due to cost. It may be in next years budget. 

This has proved to be a pretty long, drawn out thread, but I feel I/we have all learned a lot and that's what it's all about. Thanks to everyone who has added important info to Droptop 73's post and question.

 

[jpaz]

Thanks John. 

So, I think you have Rocketman's relay kit. I looked at kits on his website and I would think it's the universal kit we would need to buy, seeing that you have the orange lamp plugs. If this is not Bob's kit, which did you buy? Others have said Bob's kits are really good quality, but none have said which kit. I'm still on the fence about buying relays for use with LED's.

The original relay harness I bought got ruined in my accident. I don’t remember where I got them, but it was before I knew that Rocketman sold them. But the one I have now was replaced by the shop that repaired my car and I have no idea where they got them from. From the pics you posted compared to mine the light looks pretty much the same to me.