Help an EE with an electrical problem...

[914GT]

OK, here's your chance to outsmart an EE. Shows you that a 914 can still stump the 'experts' once in a while. I searched the forum and found what looked to be the fix, but still no-workee. So here's my problem with the headlight dimmer relay.

My old relay was intermittent, it would drop out on dims but mostly on brights and I would lose my lights completely. Relay is the metal can, P/N 411 941 583C with four terminals (56, 56a, 56b, S).

I ordered a new 914 'headlamp relay' from Pelican. P/N 100 941 0006 and Pelican P/N 111-941-583. This one has five terminals (56, 56a, 56b, 30, S). I found a post from a few years ago that linked to a VW site, said to jumper 30 to 56.

So I hook it up, red wire to 56, yellow to 56a, white to 56b, yellow/red to S, and the jumper 56-30. My dims work fine. I hit the dimmer switch on the turn switch and the brights come on, but as soon as I release the switch it goes back to dim. So the relay is not latching. The dimmer switch in the turn signal appears good as it does switch both the old relay and new one. The Y/R wire goes to ground when I pull the dimmer switch. All my fuses are good. Headlamps are good.

So ... I think this new relay is either the wrong type or it's hosed. Anybody have any ideas??

[bd1308]

my headlights take the 5 pin relay...sorry I cant help.

[914GT]

Ok, found the problem. This brand new relay is defective. I popped the plastic cover off and the latching mechanism was sticking. I clicked it by hand a few times and freed it up. Put it back on the car and now it works every time. What do you bet.. next time I need my lights it'll start acting up.

[sean_V8_914]

that is funny. you answered your own question. I had to do teh jumper also

[914GT]

No wonder 914s have electrical problems. Even the new parts don't work like they're supposed to.

[Bob Bischoff]

Guy it must be wiring day. I was working on my car today and using a set of the wiring diagrams that you had marked up with labels for all of the componets. These sure make working on the car easy.
Guy you should post a link to these here and at the 914club site.

Thanks for doing this...................Bob

[914GT]

Thanks for your comments Bob. I will do that. I printed the diagrams out in color and put them in clear protectors to keep them clean. I was using them yesterday. It sure does make it easier having the labels on there.