Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: Proper Headlight Configuration
From:Dennis Haynes
Date:Mon, 15 Oct 2012 08:23:17 -0400

The outer lamps have both high and low beam (dipped) beam filaments. Thus
the three wires to each bulb.

Low beams, outer lights low beam filament.
High beams, all four lighted.

Now for the confusing part, the dimmer switch has an extra contact for
"flashing" the high beams. So it is possible that when the low beams are on,
lifting the lever will turn on the high and low beams simultaneously. Wait,
there is more! This contact is feed directly and is powered without the
headlight or ignition switch allowing the high beams to flashed at any time.
So if the ignition is off, the headlight switch on, lifting the lever will
allow a back feed that will operate the wipers and turn signals.

Want brighter lights and you can remember to turn them off. Find the
headlight feed wire to the switch. Disconnect and re feed it from the
connection going to the flasher contact is. Takes the load off the ignition
switch and eliminates that voltage drop.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
JRodgers
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2012 2:30 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Proper Headlight Configuration

When the headlights are operated, what is the correct light configuration?

1)Low beams only - high beams off
2)High beams only - low beams off
3)High Beams and Low beams on together

Which combinations are correct?

Got some wiring issues to fix. Just need to know.

Thanks,

John