Bad relay, what to do?

[Stevo02TJ]

I have a bad relay on my KC Daylighters, and I need a quick fix until I can get to the auto parts store.

My friend says he has a relay, but I'm unsure if I can use it or not. If it even fits the plug pattern, can I use it? Or are relays rated for how much they can handle? I don't want to fry my fuses or my lights!

TIA,
Stevo

[ehirner]

Relays are rated based on how much they can handle. Look at the relay you have. It'll tell you what it's rated to. Compare that with the relay your buddy has. If they're the same rating and pin configuration, you should be alright.
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04 Unlimited

[Stevo02TJ]

Alright, thanks.

[viper24242]

When I put my lights on I didn't use a relay. What do they do?
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'94 Grand 5.2L
2" budget boost
31" mud kings
Flowmaster 50
Rusty's air tube
Rusty's steering stabilizer
AEM throttle body spacer
120 amp alternator upgrade
Rusty's Tie Rod Conversion

[JimmyD-55]

Viper, a basic relay is used to wire componants on a dedicated circuit without having the switch carry the load.

A circuit without a relay would have basic wire run similar to this: Battery to fuse to switch to lights. What this means is that the you are running the power for your lights directly through your switch. This is ok if the switch is rated for the amperage your lights require, however, if you go over the switch rating you may experience some problems.

A circuit with a relay would have a wire run similar to this: Battery to fuse to relay to lights with the relay being triggered by the switch. It takes less amperage for the switch to run the relays and the relays are rated much higher than the switch. You will still need to run a power source to the switch but it will only need to be enough to trigger the relays.

I hope this isn't too confusing, it's always easier for me to understand what I'm talking about than somebody trying to listen to me.

Something else to keep in mind, relays are not all the same. When you replace a relay you need to make certain you're using an adequate replacement. Bosch relays, for example, look similar but have around 200 different configurations. The most typical relay used for wiring lights is a Bosch 87.

If you would like more detailed information on installing a relay(s) into your system let me know and I can get you a basic wiring diagram.

Kyle

[viper24242]

I think I get what you are saying. I was a little confused because when I installed my lights the instructions said something about a relay then wiring the lights into my headlight dimmer switch or something like that. I just got a 30 amp switch and did it the easy way, in line.

I didn't understand why the insructions say to run it so they turn on when the brights are on. I know a lot of cops in my area in virginia (Harrisonburg) and it is technically illegal to drive on a public road without the light covers on!! I was told not to worry about it to much though because a cop would only pull me over for it if he wanted to be an ass.

Thanks for the info JimmyD
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'94 Grand 5.2L
2" budget boost
31" mud kings
Flowmaster 50
Rusty's air tube
Rusty's steering stabilizer
AEM throttle body spacer
120 amp alternator upgrade
Rusty's Tie Rod Conversion

[1fox2go]

I heard that as well but i was also told if your lights are on their own switch then its ok to not run covers
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96 Cherokee 7.5 inch TnT long arm Locked F/R, D44 rear, 4.56s, 35x12.50 Muds/36x12.50 TSLs

[viper24242]

I will have to ask about that one. One officer actually looked it up in the law book and it took us about 10 minutes to figure out what it was trying to say. It is so amazingly confusing.
_________________
'94 Grand 5.2L
2" budget boost
31" mud kings
Flowmaster 50
Rusty's air tube
Rusty's steering stabilizer
AEM throttle body spacer
120 amp alternator upgrade
Rusty's Tie Rod Conversion