Any tips on getting more light from my headlights? - Closed

[Sjh_987]

Hi,

I'm the very proud owner of a T25 and I've been using him a fair bit through the winter and I'm finding with some driving the lack of power from my headlights is proving a challenge.

From various websites they seem to suggest to either:
- rewire the headlights directly to the battery
- install some spot lights in addition to the headlights

Are these the best courses of action or is there another way I should be considering?

Many thanks for taking the time to read this/reply

Thanks

Stefan

[clift_d]

We upgraded the lamps to newer better spec ones. We put in Osram Nightbreaker Plus - about £12 a pair on eBay - and it's made a massive difference.
https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... headlights" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

When the weather warms up I might also try cleaning the inside of the headlights:
http://www.gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=1568" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Sjh_987]

Thank you, will give them a try and also give the headlights a clean. I did have a smile reading to clean them as can't believe didn't think about that!!!

Thanks again

Stefan

[tandemsandy]

I was considering adding additional lights. Then, as recommended on here, I did the 'relay mod' and the difference is staggering. No need for extra lights, spend the money on some wire and a couple of relays!

Rob

[Cruz]

Search for the problem, search box top right, as its been asked 1001 times.

Then do this

1. Source some H4 headlights if yours are early non-H4 tungsten lamps. The lense says H4 on them.

2. Upgrade the inadequate wiring design with relays as shown in the wiki

3. Now fit H4 silverstar bulbs etc

You need more voltage to the bulbs. volts are lost due to the poor design

[California Dreamin]

What is interesting about the graph on WIKI is that a 15% drop in voltage to the bulb (thats going from the bulbs design voltage of 13.6 volts down to about 11.5 volts) which would be about typical of what owners report at the headlamp bulb.... knocks the power of the lights to below 70%.

Taking into account your older air cooled Westfalia used the Tungsten P45t bulbs which were only 40/45 watts, it's not suprising the lights are not too good.

The cheapest and most effective mod is to take out those old tungsten units and fit newer round H4 Halogen ones (these were fitted on vans 85/86 onwards, says H4 on the lens) and together with a pair of Osram Nightbreaker Plus or Philips Xtreme H4 bulbs the difference will be amazing.

If at a later stage you choose to 'Relay' the lights (VW chose not to) there is another significant 'JUMP' in performance to be had by elliminating voltage drop through the old wiring and switches.

Martin

[lloydy]

I'll be doing the relay mod soon (just waiting for the bits) I'll be taking a load of photos, so I'll post then up

[Sjh_987]

Thanks for your responses, looks like rewriting is the way forward.
Apologies for not searching first though

Thanks

Stefan

[Mickyfin]

I'll be doing the relay mod soon (just waiting for the bits) I'll be taking a load of photos, so I'll post then up

Look forward to those mate as I'm still unsure how to open the headlights to get to the bulbs. I don't want to try, and accidentally undo the wrong screws and screw up my beam alignment.

[Cruz]

I'll be doing the relay mod soon (just waiting for the bits) I'll be taking a load of photos, so I'll post then up

Look forward to those mate as I'm still unsure how to open the headlights to get to the bulbs. I don't want to try, and accidentally undo the wrong screws and screw up my beam alignment.

Easy as pie for square lights.

The whole light unit including the frame unscrews from the body (4 screws) the headlight unit never comes out of the frame

With round lights you can remove the lamp units from the frame using the 3 small screws without spoiling the alignment

[Mickyfin]

Cheers mate

[Winchweight]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but does anyone offer a wiring loom that is plug and play to upgrade the lights?

[Titus A Duxass]

There are, or were, some headlight cable/relay kits on ebay.
They are generic and will need tailoring to the T3.

[syncroandy]

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but does anyone offer a wiring loom that is plug and play to upgrade the lights?

Without cutting any wires, soldering or crimping a few terminals ? I doubt it, but if you can cut two wires and crimp four terminals I could do you a kit, to upgrade as I described in this thread.

[Winchweight]

Sounds good as long as thennstructions are explicit and very noddy