28 replies to this topic

[gaspen]

Hello

 

Basic 1975 998cc Mini : I would like to install relays for the low and high beam. I took out the wiring loom so it is pretty easy to cut the wires 

 

My request is some idea - with pictures if possible - where to install the relay and fuse sockets, how to lead the wires and so on.

 

Thanks

 

 

[nicklouse]

Sorry but what are you wanting to achieve?

 

did you check the voltage at the connectors before removal? If yes was the drop bad? If yes just change the wiring out for new.

 

that is the cheapest and best solution.

 

running new power cable to 4 relays is adding complexity and more points for failure.

[sonscar]

Buy some new headlamp plugs and wire them with nice fat wires.Use four mini relays.Connect two fused lives from the solenoid to these four relays.Use the existing headlamp wires to switch the relays.Fit two each side near the lamp.Use as many sources as you need to find out how to wire up relays.It is a very simple project and should be an enjoyable afternoons work.Steve..

[timmy850]

I have got a “New Era” NLR-132 double relay. It simplifies the system slightly, as there is shared power and ground (which is ok for mini headlights as both filaments are not on at the same time). You just need to find the best spot to mount it and then adjust the wiring to suit

One main power
One main earth
One signal for low
One signal for high
One power for low
One power for high
And one fuse included for each

https://www.automoti...x-30amp-fuses-n

[Tds76]

How I did mine:

 

 Relay Wiring.jpeg   92.32K   21 downloads

 

The wires from the headlamps switch are the originals and used to feed the relay coils - pin 86. The other side of the coil, pin 85 is earthed. 

I fed the power direct from the solenoid via fuses to pin 30 on the the relay

The wires from the relays to the lamps are also the originals - pin 87

 

Some good info here:

https://www.12voltpl...elay-guide.html

 

Cheers, Paul. 

 

 

 

 

 

[gaspen]

I've got some advice from a "local hero" to modify the circuit with relays because its advantages : more light, more life for the switch. But my Mini is not a daily driver so I am still not sure to cut the loom.... I did not measure the voltage drop at the bulb connectors but I will do.

 

Another question : is there a diagram for the wire gauges (diameters) for Mini ? 

[PoolGuy]

This might give you an idea of cable sizes and whether or not you actually need to add relays.  Sometimes it can be easier to use the correct size cable, but if you're using higher wattage bulbs or adding extra lights then relays are advisable. https://www.12voltpl...calculator.html

[timmy850]

If you don't want to cut the existing wires, there are generic H4 globe specific kits that plug in to the existing headlight plugs and then add the relay and a new plug to the globe. You'd then only need to supply power and ground

 

E.g.

https://www.onlineau...30005/ZPN-15173

[PoolGuy]

Does that 'wiredby****' chap do something? (Sorry I don't recall his name).

[MikeRotherham]

Wired by Wilson sells an upgrade that achieves most of what the op needs and no need to cut the original harness.

 

https://www.wiredbyw...roducts-prices/

Edited by MikeRotherham, 13 July 2022 - 06:55 AM.

[PoolGuy]

That's the chap, thanks Mike.

[andyapanel]

I can highly recommend his kits
I have fitted 4 with no problems

[stuart bowes]

why not just use the existing wiring to 'switch' the relays (minimal current rqd) and an additional cable for the supply (nice new fatter cables)

 

that way you can reverse it very easily if you wanted to without losing anything original

[gaspen]

why not just use the existing wiring to 'switch' the relays (minimal current rqd) and an additional cable for the supply (nice new fatter cables)

 

that way you can reverse it very easily if you wanted to without losing anything original

 

This is the plan but I think it over if I want to put relays   I have some brand new wire for the headlamps with the correct colors (Blue/White and Blue/Red)

 

Is it a good idea to install a 4-way fuse box instead of the existing 2-way panel ?

[stuart bowes]

I've done mine a bit differently, I ditched the old 4 way fuse box with the old glass fuses and replaced with an 8 way blade fuse type for easier replacement of fuses (more modern), reducing loading through each point, and a couple of spare ways for the extra bits I'm adding like the spots will have a fuse of their own for example.  been a while since I looked at it now so I can't remember how I divided everything up but I did label it all

 

i often wonder if fuses are really necessary with incandescent lamps anyway seeing as they contain an element which will break if overloaded.  I suppose it protects the switch and/or relay as well though

Edited by stuart bowes, 13 July 2022 - 02:40 PM.