headlights won't turn off

RaspMetalicMX3SE · Post by **RaspMetalicMX3SE** » April 23rd, 2007, 9:29 pm

So i got home from driving maybe 15-20 mins and i went to turn my headlights off after parking and they don't turn off!!! I went yo unplug them and notice the harnesses melted on both of the headlights. I have a set of H4 tuned by matrix show bulbs that are 100/90W in power and i wired in a bosche relay for each. have had um in for like 4-5 month's now and no prbolems til now. i do run with the hi- beams on normally if that makes a difference. I'm sure that the higher wattage bulbs is what melted the hanresses but why the hell will the headlights not shut -off!? I need to get this fixed since it's dark when i drive into work in the morning!

PATDIESEL · Post by **PATDIESEL** » April 24th, 2007, 1:10 am

Seems pretty straight forward to me. You ran a bulb that is too high wattage for the wiring and plugs. You need to rewire the headlight circuit to handle the bulbs or go back to stock recommended wattage.

RaspMetalicMX3SE · Post by **RaspMetalicMX3SE** » April 24th, 2007, 4:00 pm

yea, i know thats why the melted but how did they not turn off when i turn the headlights off, in other word how are they being powered when the switch is off?

ariesdude · Post by **ariesdude** » April 24th, 2007, 5:37 pm

you melted the relay contacts together - the relay usually gets the power directly from the battery - the switch only turns the relay on or off. If the contacts are melted and fused - it wont release even when the relay is turned off by the switch. You have to (go to a professional and) upgrade the wiring and get a proper rated relay- otherwise it is quite dangerous - might lead to major engine fire one day - all it takes is one spark and some fuel vapor.

RaspMetalicMX3SE · Post by **RaspMetalicMX3SE** » April 24th, 2007, 9:03 pm

hmmm, well i plugged in a spare set bulbs that i have and they work fine and i didn't replace relays or the harnesses, for now i just have the three bare metal pieces from the harness hooked up to three bulbs prongs on each bulb. So i'm guessing the relays workig just fine. I think it was just a bad idea to run the hi-beams 100% of the time and the actual bulbs overheated from it. i noticed that the glass from one of them was actually starting to droop. pretty crazy guess i gotta be more careful