Option for headlights and high beams not from 60's VW

[edwardb]

This is maybe a little premature because I haven't completed the wiring yet, but I wanted to share... Like many, I struggled with the ancient VW/Bosch latching relay for the high beams on my Mk3 build. After trying a couple replacement relays, it works but is pretty marginal. I never did try to set up a "flash to pass" option or isolate the headlights from the switch with relays, like others have done to improve the overall setup.

For my Mk4 build, just starting, I came across what appears to be a perfect and easy solution. American Autowire makes a module that you wire into the headlight circuit. The headlight switch only ever sees low current, as the high current is handled by the relays in the module. Additionally, it provides "flash to pass" when the headlights are off, and normal high/low beam when the headlights are on. Requires a momentary switch, which I will provide via the push button switch in the Russ Thompson turn signal assembly. When the power is off, it switches back to low beam automatically. Like I said, haven't wired it in yet (some weeks away) but it's very straightforward and should work perfectly. They are available direct from the mfg for $89 plus other places. I found a hot rod store on eBay that sells them for a bit less. Received it yesterday. Looks perfect. Link has more details, instruction sheet with schematic, and a demo video.

MODUBLOX Low/High Beam Headlight Module

[Frank Messina]

Good find Ed. That will really simpify the wiring under the dash not to mention easing the hit and miss experience some have had with the latching relay.
Frank

[Nikoby]

I really like this.

Will be ordering one when I get to that point.

Thanks for post.

Nick

[Big Blocker]

Frank (not wanting to Hi-Jack the thread),

I'm working on a Triac powered module that will replace the VW (POS) latching relay as we type.

If all goes as planned, future builders will have another option for the VW relay for a cheap price . . . I just need it to interface into the drawings that everyone seems to go to, for VW / Russ Thompson Turn signals.

I know I can do this with relays, but it takes a S*&T load . . . Triac's are sooo much more compact.

Doc

[J Persons]

I may have missed it in the video, but with the floor mounted high/low beam switch removed, and the module wired in its place, but how does the driver select the high beams? I get the idea of the momentary switch, but what if you wanted to use the high beams for an extended length of time? It would be a PITA to have to hold down the momentary switch for the high beams to function.

[edwardb]

Originally Posted by J Persons

I may have missed it in the video, but with the floor mounted high/low beam switch removed, and the module wired in its place, but how does the driver select the high beams? I get the idea of the momentary switch, but what if you wanted to use the high beams for an extended length of time? It would be a PITA to have to hold down the momentary switch for the high beams to function.

You're right, that wouldn't be good. It is explained in the video and the instructions:

- With lights off, momentary button pushed causes high beams to light, but only as long as the button is pushed. This is the "flash to pass" option.

- With lights on, momentary button pushed and released causes headlights to toggle between low and high beam. Not necessary to hold the button down.

The yellow voltage "sense" wire from the module to the headlight switch determines whether the headlights are on or off.

I'm going to use the button in the end of the Russ Thompson turn signal stalk.

[Don DePontee]

Edward hit the nail on the head, I use Russ's turn signal stalk on my builds and love the functionality of the unit. It looks like this module will make like in the wiring side a little easier and cleaner.
Don