Using relays for headlights
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Junior User
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Using relays for headlights
Good morning to all 
So my 2005 F350 had those terrible sealed beam head lamps that glowed a very dim yellow...after some advice on here I purchased a set of these lights directly from Ford. Replacement F100133Q-PLK Headlight | Auto Parts Warehouse
Yesterday I fitted them and despite a marked improvement I still can't help thinking that the halogen performance isn't as good as it could be
.
Do Ford run their 2005 F350 head lamps Hi & Lo beams through relays? If 'No' then this would be my next step to getting proper illumination at the front of my vehicle.
Comments and advice welcome.
So my 2005 F350 had those terrible sealed beam head lamps that glowed a very dim yellow...after some advice on here I purchased a set of these lights directly from Ford. Replacement F100133Q-PLK Headlight | Auto Parts Warehouse
Yesterday I fitted them and despite a marked improvement I still can't help thinking that the halogen performance isn't as good as it could be
.Do Ford run their 2005 F350 head lamps Hi & Lo beams through relays? If 'No' then this would be my next step to getting proper illumination at the front of my vehicle.
Comments and advice welcome.
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Junior User
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Wow...that's surprising! Do you guys eat more carrots than us Brits then?
The new H13 bulbs are a marked improvement over the old sealed beams...but they aren't a patch on my 1998 Land Rover than still uses old school 55w H4 bulbs.
If I knew for sure that the Ford uses relays in it's headlight wiring I'd be content...but I sense you're not 100% certain Trey?
The new H13 bulbs are a marked improvement over the old sealed beams...but they aren't a patch on my 1998 Land Rover than still uses old school 55w H4 bulbs.
If I knew for sure that the Ford uses relays in it's headlight wiring I'd be content...but I sense you're not 100% certain Trey?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Spanaway
Check the voltage at the lamp. I am willing to bet
that it down a bit from the 12V that you should see.
My 1988 Ranger was a dim light and I put a set of
relays in it and a set of Hella H4 lamp kits and talk
about better light. then I went to 80/100 lamps.
Was really nice off-road at night. To be nice they
were pointed really down so that on low beam they
did not fry anyone's eyes. But on HIGH WOW!!
Back to the relays. They will allow you more power
to the lamps with the larger wire. Use a fuse and go
to the battery.
Sean
that it down a bit from the 12V that you should see.
My 1988 Ranger was a dim light and I put a set of
relays in it and a set of Hella H4 lamp kits and talk
about better light. then I went to 80/100 lamps.
Was really nice off-road at night. To be nice they
were pointed really down so that on low beam they
did not fry anyone's eyes. But on HIGH WOW!!
Back to the relays. They will allow you more power
to the lamps with the larger wire. Use a fuse and go
to the battery.
Sean
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Thx Sean. During the light swap I had to change the connector plug from the old style 3 blade type to the newer sealed push-in type connector and couldn't help but notice that the wires used for the these newer lamps are very thin gauge wire.
I wonder if these thinner wires can cope with the extra voltage? I'll get the meter out tonight and see exactly how many volts the lights are getting.
I wonder if these thinner wires can cope with the extra voltage? I'll get the meter out tonight and see exactly how many volts the lights are getting.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
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From: Spanaway
I should of said that.
Smaller wire means that it can't carry
the current as well and tends to heat.
That is why if you look at any truck that been on the road for a
few years the lamp plugs are likely starting to discolor from heat.
This is one of the few places I say aftermarket parts are much better.
You can get a plug with heavy wire/pins and the housing is ceramic not
the plastic that discolors and gets brittle.
Sean
Smaller wire means that it can't carry
the current as well and tends to heat.
That is why if you look at any truck that been on the road for a
few years the lamp plugs are likely starting to discolor from heat.
This is one of the few places I say aftermarket parts are much better.
You can get a plug with heavy wire/pins and the housing is ceramic not
the plastic that discolors and gets brittle.
Sean
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 262
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From: Clermont, Florida
fwiw I just replaced the bulbs in my 2005 headlamps like you just purchased and they are brighter and whiter now.
The original 9 year old Sylvania H13 bulbs were still burning strong even though they've been on constantly with the DRL module I installed.
I used Wagner BrightLite bulbs #9008BLX2 and a two-pack was only $22 from RockAuto.com
Might be worth trying before you fiddle with wiring & such.
The original 9 year old Sylvania H13 bulbs were still burning strong even though they've been on constantly with the DRL module I installed.
I used Wagner BrightLite bulbs #9008BLX2 and a two-pack was only $22 from RockAuto.com
Might be worth trying before you fiddle with wiring & such.
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