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General Information => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: Jettage1 on September 19, 2008, 04:23:18 am

Title: small rant
Post by: Jettage1 on September 19, 2008, 04:23:18 am

So my ECO Jetta's headlight switch was on the way out when I bought the car.  Have now gone thru two used replacements and am tired of the lights not coming on (or going off) when you really need them.  Finally decided to check into the cost of buying new - Holy  :shock: !

$80 - $102 for a damn switch.  It's highway robbery.  I'm sitting here looking at this thing and thinking - this is a classic example of form not following function.  All you really need is a three position toggle switch.  Forget the rheostat for the panel lights - they're not too bright even at full "on".  What else can the thing possibly do?  I have half a mind to go to Radio Shack and shade tree this thing.

'Course, I haven't looked at my Bentley to see how these circuits are wired yet.  I'll bet there's some tiny powerstation operator that lives in the switch to keep all of the electrons happy.

Aargh.  Sorry.  I had to vent.

Steve

Title: small rant
Post by: smutts on September 19, 2008, 02:06:40 pm

Yup, 'tis a proper cornish gift.
If you know anyone good with electrickery, then they should be able to install some relays to supply power to the headlights. This takes makes life much easier for the headlamp switch, your lights will be brighter too. 8)

Title: small rant
Post by: fatmobile on September 20, 2008, 12:32:21 am

I ended up pulling my switch apart and tinning the contacts with a thin layer of solder,... might have done some sanding to finish it.
 This switch was also messing with my tailights,... making me a cop magnet.

Title: small rant
Post by: Smokey Eddy on September 20, 2008, 03:35:39 am

I've been thinkin about doing the same since my dash lights are burnt out anyways.
With the relay switch buisness you could just add relays and lights later :D
roof lights?  :twisted:

Title: small rant
Post by: Jettage1 on September 20, 2008, 04:56:05 am

I ended up pulling one of my dead switches apart like fatmobile did.  Cleaned it with TV tuner/contact cleaner and used an xacto knife to scrape the brown gunk from a couple of contacts.  Seems to work okay now.  A couple of the contacts were worn from friction - may need to try building them up with solder too.  We'll see...

Wish I'd thought to do this before I bought the previous used switches...  Oh well.  Live and spend and spend and (maybe) learn...  :roll:

Title: small rant
Post by: gigaz2 on September 20, 2008, 06:07:24 am

get the relays, the lights run brighter with them anyway, and no more burnt switches.

Title: small rant
Post by: burn_your_money on September 20, 2008, 06:39:57 pm

If you are interested I can build you a plug and play relay setup for the headlights. No cutting or spicing required.
The stock wiring puts all the amps for the lights through the headlight switch which causes them to wear out. I've heard of a few catching fire

Title: small rant
Post by: Jettage1 on September 20, 2008, 06:54:15 pm

Tell me more, Tyler...  Where would it plug in?  between the harness and the headlight switch or ??  Cost?

Thanks...

Title: small rant
Post by: burn_your_money on September 20, 2008, 07:43:25 pm

It would plug in at the headlight in the engine bay. I need to do some more sourcing for parts still, so a price is not concrete but probably around $100. It all depends though. I can get the older sealed beam stuff already, I just need a few more pieces for the mk2 stuff