LED Headlights

[BR25004X4]

After replacing my headlight switch for the 3rd time on my 96 2500, I am wondering if switching to LED headlights will generate less heat in the switch and maybe it won't overheat and stop working.

 

[Topzide]

It may or may not. LED's do draw less wattage but have a heat sink to dissipate the extra heat involved. I would add a relay to carry the load versus the switch handling the load. Check out this site for adding a relay and other helpful info; www.the12volt.com

 

[petersonj]

As soon as you add a relay to your halogen headlight system, you will not only reduce the electrical load through the headlight switch, but also increase the voltage significantly at the headlight terminals which will result in more light on the road. Typically with the OEM long undersized wiring runs that go through the headlight switch and the dimmer switch, the headlight output (in Lumens) is reduced to about half.

Using a relay for the halogen headlights, the gain alone will be worth the effort. In general, American bulbs need 12.8 volt differential (measured at the headlight terminals with lights on) and European headlights need 13.2 volt at the same location for 100% of the bulb's rated illumination.

- John

 

[GAmes]

Adding relays is a pretty easy project. I added the link and diode so that the low beam filament stays lit with the high beams selected. It's an option. The wires are accessible behind the left side headlight. Removing the battery and tray will give you ample room to work and give you a chance to check your cruise control servo for corrosion.

 

[BigPapa]

Just make sure your relays are oriented with the terminals and wires DOWN so they don't get water in them. Speaking from experience.

 

[BR25004X4]

Thanks to all for your responses. I'll be doing some wiring soon, and ending the battle of the light switches.

 

[BigPapa]

LMC Truck used to have a relay harness.

 

[BR25004X4]

I searched and found that LMC still lists them, Geno's garage has a heavy duty harness, and also on Daniel Stern lighting he sells a kit with everything needed except the wire to put sport lighting on the Ram trucks. They all isolate the power from the switch which evidently is exactly what I need. Now to make a decision.

 

[slowmover]

I’ve used DS since the 1990s. Nothing wrong with the rest, but why not support one of the little guys?

You want tech info, he’s been “go to” for years as he’s an automobile lighting engineer. And a MoPar guy.

I’ve done several relay-driven headlamp conversions.
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[Ozymandias]

It may or may not. LED's do draw less wattage but have a heat sink to dissipate the extra heat involved. I would add a relay to carry the load versus the switch handling the load. Check out this site for adding a relay and other helpful info; www.the12volt.com

Not necessarily, today's high power LEDs are up to par if it comes to power consumption.
At home I just replaced some older 15W units with 55w units in the high beams. What a difference it made.