Technical protecting headlight controls

[renault]

I want to reduce the current load on my headlight switch on the steering column and I an not sure which of two options to take
1) reduce the current load by replacing the bulbs with LEDs
2) using relays, operated by the column switch, to switch the original headlight bulbs

Does anyone have a view on this ?

 

[JumpJet]

A relay would be the safest, most reliable way to go about it. It would also allow you to run bulbs of different amperage if you ever desired. But, I have to ask, why do you want to reduce the load? Is it causing you problems? The original design is fine for the spec components.

 

[renault]

well it is just my experience that stalk controls on these older cars with brittle plastic can suffer from damage by arcing and it is a lot simpler and cheaper to avoid this than fix it.

 

[fiat500]

I want to reduce the current load on my headlight switch on the steering column and I an not sure which of two options to take
1) reduce the current load by replacing the bulbs with LEDs
2) using relays, operated by the column switch, to switch the original headlight bulbs

Does anyone have a view on this ?

There have been mixed views on using LED lamps with the original reflector type. A few years ago, I changed to relays, and was lucky to find a perfect, supplementary wiring harness on eBay, which provided all the wires and connections needed to draw current directly from the battery via relays. It also allowed me to upgrade the lamps to halogen. See link:

Spotty Fiat 500 | FIAT 500 (Classic)

The interior light is particularly effective I'm going to try that, as Tony also remarked ages ago, how much better it is (could hardly be worse than original) :D I found they were excellent in the dashboard indicator lights and I'm going to stick one in the speedo too. I've just been out for...

www.fiatforum.com