Custom Wired Headlights
Posted by Old_Jeb@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 5 comments
As the title says, I'm seeing anyone knows how or point to to a video that show me how wire custom headlights.
Backstory: About 3 years ago, I had an electrical issue related to a faulty alternator that left my headlights essentially non-functional and messed with the light stick (only blinkers worked). I have tried multiple mechanics who have basically tried to sell me on either a new car or investing in a rewiring even though the only wrong with it at the moment is the headlights. Even the dealership attempted to get to give them $1000 deposit but couldn't even tell what they suspected was wrong with it (essentially they wanted 1k just to look at it).
All that being said, my coworker told me his elder brother converted an off-road jeep he had to being street legal when he sold it by paying someone to custom wire some headlights (low beam and highbeam working) to some dashboard switches. I'm hoping to try the same before I ultimately call it quits (should I fail). If anyone knows how to do it, a video, a guide, or even a forum post would be greatly appreciated.
Vehicle Info:
2006 Mazda Rx8 Shinka Edition Base.
TurboDorito@reddit
Wiring in new headlights is very simple, but it's an rx8, it shouldn't be that hard to diagnose the issue.
The damage is either: Headlights, loom, switch or control unit.
Invest in a multimeter and check each point along the way to see where the signal is failing. It goes:
12v feed from battery, to fuse box, to control unit, to stalk switch, to control unit, to relay, to headlight.
At each point along that line you need to probe for 12v coming through. When you get the point that isn't doing what you expect then swap it out.
This will take the same amount of time as running new lights as you'll need access to everything anyway, but the upside is it preserves the OEM parts and operation so it won't impact the value of the car
troublejames@reddit
Can you create a wiring diagram for it?
pancrudo@reddit
Since they'll be independent, you'll likely need to turn 2 switches to have your normal low beams... The cars low beams, so you get all your other DRL and the headlights themselves.
For ease of having a light that can do low and high beams. I would suggest a bi-xenon or bi-led. Idk what your lights look like, so if they need to be baked open, bi-xenon might be the better option, just keep in mind the power requirements will needed to power the ballasts and you'll need a relay for each.
If you just want working lights go get rid of the car, bi-leds will work because... Well it's soon to not be your problem.
I would first look them up and see how they work. Then test if the high beams see power or work. Lastly would verify power is going out from the light switch(most dealerships don't like half assed switches in car's, but you could have these triggered by other items like.... A cig lighter bulb. High beams will still have to come from high beams though.
It sounds like multiple people have looked at it, but I would be curious about testing or trying to replace the light switch itself. Otherwise any "bi-____ retrofit" video should help you along the way, and the kits for bi-led are relatively cheap
Whitworth_73@reddit
Check this video out:
https://youtu.be/0h_ZbIBHM-M?si=uueRrxNVFIfJAcol
HSLB66@reddit
Battery to relays and some switches. It’s very simple. I’d suggest looking at videos on off road lighting. Same concept, just into your ballasts instead of led lights