View Full Version : VW relay socket for high/low beam?
How's that for a cryptic thread title? I have the VW relay (111 941 583) buried behind my dash and connected to the momentary switch on the RT turn signal. It works, but only when it really wants to. I'm sure it's just a faulty connection, which in my case means it's a bad spade connector. My current idea is to pull the dash, pull the relay, and install a socket that can be mounted someplace easily accessible. Doing so would provide a more reliable connection as well as ease of replacement (as I understand these relays tend to be a bit finicky).
Sounds simple, right? I've been searching google for the past couple of days looking for a 5 pin relay socket that fits. The problem I'm having is finding a socket that specifically says it fits a VW relay with a different numbering scheme than your typical Bosch-style 5 pin relay. I've learned a lot about relays during this little project, but haven't found anything that I'm positive will work. Therefore, I'm tapping into the collective knowledge here to learn about potential options. A couple of questions:
1. Will a typical 5-pin socket fit the VW relay? In other words, are the contacts in the same physical locations on all 5-pin relays?
2. Is there a specific socket for this relay that you know about?
I do not have it wired for flash to pass. Only push button to toggle between high and low beams. I am using only one relay. Thanks in advance for your help!
michael everson
01-14-2022, 04:19 PM
I have been looking on and off for years and never found one that will work. I suspect the relay in the VW is mounted in a larger Power control center rather than a separate plug.
Mike
I have been looking on and off for years and never found one that will work. I suspect the relay in the VW is mounted in a larger Power control center rather than a separate plug.
Mike
Thanks, Mike. Maybe someone will come up with something yet. That would benefit both of us!
Al,
If you are going to rework that wiring, maybe this is a simpler solution.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/idt-3100006040
Dave
wibby
01-14-2022, 11:56 PM
My VW relay let out smoke while I was bench testing it. I took it apart to see how it was constructed and all I can say is they are not very well designed or assembled internally. I ended up using an industrial latching relay sourced from Digikey (PN:
PB513-ND, now obsolete) on my build and I have not had any problems with it in over 12 years of driving. There are other options such as Digikey PN: Z8167-ND that might be a good option although it has a slightly lower contact rating than the one that I used.
JohnK
01-15-2022, 12:55 AM
Al,
If you are going to rework that wiring, maybe this is a simpler solution.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/idt-3100006040
Dave
+1 for the Ididit relay. Easy to wire and seems very robustly built.
Al,
If you are going to rework that wiring, maybe this is a simpler solution.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/idt-3100006040
Dave
This looks like a winner. Thanks, Dave!
jiriza84641
01-15-2022, 12:58 PM
Al or you can go with this from 520speedworks and a local vendor, its a bit more money. I used this with no issues.
https://520speedworks.com/shop/ols/products/headlight-with-flash-to-pass-relay-box
Glen Davis
01-15-2022, 06:25 PM
It's been quite a while since I worked on/sold parts for the early Bug's, like 40+ years, but if I remember correctly the headlight relay plugs into the fuse box so there is no separate socket.
frankeeski
01-15-2022, 07:24 PM
On recent builds I've started replacing the momentary switch (supplied by Russ) with a latching push button switch when the car owner wants to use it for high/low beam. The latching switch then controls a standard 5 pin relay. Total outlay for parts is less than $15
clays123
06-18-2022, 03:22 AM
+1 for the Ididit relay. Easy to wire and seems very robustly built.
Al, Dave,
I purchased this to use with my RT turn signal. How did you guys wire it with the RT system. How were the wires connected?
Thanks for your help.
michael everson
06-18-2022, 04:37 AM
Frank, where did you find the latching switch?
Mike
Al, Dave,
I purchased this to use with my RT turn signal. How did you guys wire it with the RT system. How were the wires connected?
Thanks for your help.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162556&d=1644867950
edwardb
06-18-2022, 02:49 PM
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=162556&d=1644867950
Confused slightly by this illustration. Maybe I'm the only one. With the Ididit switch, you don't need the dimmer switch shown in the RF schematic. The Ididit piece does the switching when the tan wire is grounded via the RF momentary switch. Hopefully just showing the proper RF wires to attach to. Which I agree with. I've used that switch several times. Works great.
Confused slightly by this illustration. Maybe I'm the only one. With the Ididit switch, you don't need the dimmer switch shown in the RF schematic. The Ididit piece does the switching when the tan wire is grounded via the RF momentary switch. Hopefully just showing the proper RF wires to attach to. Which I agree with. I've used that switch several times. Works great.
You aren't confused. The image was meant to show how to connect the RF wires that would go to the dimmer switch to the relay wires. Maybe I should have put a big X on the switch?
frankeeski
06-18-2022, 03:27 PM
Frank, where did you find the latching switch?
Mike
Ebay Mike. I think I bought 10 so I have a few extra. Not the highest quality switches but they work. You want me to send you one? Just text me.
edwardb
06-18-2022, 04:58 PM
You aren't confused. The image was meant to show how to connect the RF wires that would go to the dimmer switch to the relay wires. Maybe I should have put a big X on the switch?
All good. Just wanted to make sure anyone considering the Ididit module understood it handles the low/high beam function (and flash to pass) and eliminates the RF pictured switch. Maybe obvious and unnecessary posts on my part...
Follow up from here: Tony helped me install the ididit relay a few weeks ago. (He took control and did most of the work...) It works great. It integrates well with the RT turn signal wiring (i.e. the momentary switch in the stalk). The wiring diagram that ididit provides is reasonably good. When you have their diagram and the VW relay wires in front of you, it's fairly straightforward. I tried to overthink it. Don't do that.