29 replies to this topic

[Gizzum]

A guide would be fantastic! Those modules are sexeh

Don't hold your breath... will be a while though before all this gets sorted!!!

[Jupitus]

Try that autosparks link I posted for the coloured wires... they do the whole lot I think...

[Dan]

Pretty much all the auto-electrical suppliers do all the colour codes in most sizes and in different insulation types. Just go somewhere that doesn't force you to buy a whole reel of any given colour!

[Gizzum]

O.k. Another question... Have started doing my circuit diags but am now split between two ides on how to wire the relays up. Do I wire them from after the mega fuse or do i give them a dedicated relay fused supply??

ccts attached...

Attached Files

•  Drawing1.gif   7.06K   6 downloads

[Dan]

For the sidelights, I wouldn't bother using a relay myself. You can if you like obviously but it's only about 40 watts alltogether and isn't going to affect the switch in any serious way.

For feeding relays, because I use a different mega for each group of circuits I tend to supply the relay from the same mega fuse as the circuit rather than from a seperate relays only feed. If you did that all the circuits using relays would be supplied from the same mega with only the switch gear protected by the mega for the group.

[GraemeC]

As Dan says, don't worry abouyt relaying the side light circuit.

Your diagrams are a little hard to follow with the way you have drawn the relays, but in option 2 the relay seems to be offering no advantage as the switch will still be carrying the full current draw.

Mine are wired something similar to the attached cct diagram (if it works!) - its only a quick thrown together sketch though!

Attached Files

•  WIRING.jpg   13.78K   6 downloads

Edited by GraemeC, 20 June 2007 - 08:52 AM.

[Dan]

That's how I do it. Then a bit more switching and some clever relays (as in not dumb relays!) to control the use of fog and spot lamps. Latching relays are great.

[GraemeC]

I've used 'dumb' relays for spots as well and I have no wiring for fogs atm

[Gizzum]

O.k. Now you have got me... Clever relays??

I have been looking at implementing some of the relay circuits on the12volt.com. Mostly, time delay, auto door locking, light illumination etc. Look good fun, but at this rate I am gonna here clicking all over my car!!! Once I've got the sound deadening in that is!!!

So are these clever relays... Please give me more info... I am a sponge!

Edited by Gizzum, 20 June 2007 - 01:48 PM.

[Ethel]

...... OR YOU COULD JUST KNICK A LOOM FROM A METRO!

It'll have pretty much all those features you list and a few to spare that you can put to other uses.

Largely the same as a mini to it's a suprisingly good fit and where it doesn't fit it tends to be bigger so you can just snip it down and install new connectors.

[Gizzum]

I know I can nick a loom from a metro, I want to build my own. Then I Know what goes where and how it gets there. Plus its more of a challenge!!!

[minichick]

I know this is an old topic but it's full of great info.

I'm looking into poss making up a wiring loom for my clubman but have a few questions being that this is the first time that I have attempted something like this but I like a challenge

Dan, you spoke about using loads of relays on your loom and was wondering where you have used them. I will probably just be using standard ones rather than any trick bits but any help would be great.

[Dan]

Not loads really, just where they are needed. Anywhere you need to isolate a load or control it through another load you should think about using a relay. If you have several in the same circuit you get issues of feedback and EM pulses that can damage anything electronic in the car so don't go crazy.

My current loom has 6 plug in electronic control units / relays. These are for an interior lamp timer, heated screen timer, dim-dip system, lights on warning, flasher unit and central locking controller.

Then there are conventional relays for the dip and main beam lights, spot lights, starter / immobilisation, fuel pump, horns, indicators and a rear seat lighter socket. I would use another if I had front fogs.

With luck though this loom will be replaced soon as I have plans...

Edited by Dan, 22 March 2008 - 06:15 PM.

[minichick]

Thanks Dan, this might be a stupid question but what's the dim-dip system? I know you spoke about it earlier on in the topic and said it was used on later models and it was a good idea to incorporate into the loom but what does it do exactly? Ta

[Dan]

It gives you an extra, low level dipped beam setting on the headlights for use where there is plenty of street lighting or during murky weather in daylight. The idea is to prevent people driving about on sidelights only and to stop there being too much light on the road in well lit towns which actually makes it harder to see other cars rather than easier. It will come in quite handy if Europe forces us to use day running lamps. All UK spec cars from 1988 are supposed to have it but in recent years car manufacturers have simply stopped bothering and our government hasn't pointed it out to any of them because they are too scared. The way it works is to automatically supply the dipped beam lamps with a reduced voltage (just enough to make them glow) any time the ignition and sidelights are both switched on together. It's controlled by a relay and uses a big resistor to drop the voltage. That is to say the Lucas system does, the Bosch system is completely electronic.