Sentra headlight wiring!

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Relays
Forum Discription: Relay Diagrams, SPDT Relays, SPST Relays, DPDT Relays, Latching Relays, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=27862
Printed Date: July 17, 2025 at 8:26 AM

Topic: Sentra headlight wiring!

Posted By: bewb
Subject: Sentra headlight wiring!
Date Posted: March 07, 2004 at 1:00 AM

Forgive my ignorance here, but I really appreciate any help you guys can give me. I did search and found some info but Im still confused.

I'm planning to upgrade the headlight wiring on my Sentra because the stock wiring is WEAKsauce and and I'm using overwattage bulbs. I know the basics from the Daniel Stern lighting site, my problem is in the selection of appropriate relays.

I know I want Bosch dual 87-pin (5 pin), but I'm not sure if I need a SPST or SPDT. The reason for using the dual 87 is so I can send power to both headlights. I'll use one relay for lowbeam and one for highbeam.

I'm also confused in the tutorial where he's talking about common Japanese "ground switched" headlight systems. " It is tempting to run the existing headlamp feed wire to relay terminal 86 (trigger feed) and simply find a convenient ground for relay terminal 85 (trigger ground). However, this will not work with ground-switched systems. Run the vehicle's existing feed wire to terminal 86, and run the vehicle's existing ground wire to terminal85. "

If I do this won't I be negating the advantages of the better power wiring because I'll have to use the crappy stock ground wires? I don't know if my system is ground switched or not, I don't think it is.

Anyway, I really appreciate any info you folks might have on which relay I need and where I can find it!!! thanks!

Matt

Replies:

Posted By: terryr
Date Posted: March 09, 2004 at 1:38 AM

85 and 86 only turn the relays on. 30 and 87 will still be used to power the lights with heavy wire.

I just used the Stern wiring on my Ford. I used one relay for both low and one for the high. Worked great. People used to say 'are your headlights on?'

Posted By: bewb
Date Posted: March 09, 2004 at 2:30 AM

Ok that makes sense, I see how the headlights themselves are grounded to the chassis. 85 is just a low power ground for the relay, or for signal on ground switching systems.

Terryr where did you find the Bosch Dual 87-pin relays?

Posted By: markcars
Date Posted: March 09, 2004 at 9:29 AM

Do you mean DPST or DPDT relay?

Also if your headlights are grounded, then they are +ve switched.

Posted By: terryr
Date Posted: March 12, 2004 at 3:06 AM

I didn't use dual 87s. I used the standard bosch 5 pin relay. Power goes from the 87 to one headlight, then the other, using thick wires. If you're worried use two wires from 87.

Posted By: markcars
Date Posted: March 12, 2004 at 6:10 AM

You're right. the lamps dont need 2 relays. Besides I need to find out where I can get a dual pole relay. Do you know by any chance? I mean a relay that has two switches (dpst or dpdt) thanks.