Headlight relays from LMC going bad.

[donnieray]

I put the relay kits in two of my trucks over two years ago. Really like them but the high beam relays have both went bad. Anyone else having this problem? I’m wanting to buy a few to have as spares but having trouble finding them. I’m sure someone here knows more than me about this.

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[Rusty Nail]

I would take it to O'Reilly's and get them to look up the number on it for a replacement part. Totally possible, not a big deal.

Good luck!

 

[77 K20]

I had the same issue with the high beams. LMC sells replacement relays. Not the best solution but quick and easy for now. Eventually I'll replace them with something more heavy duty (when I have spare time).

Page 106 of LMC catalog. P/N 36-3592 $4.95 each.

 

[DanMcG]

here's a direct replacement,
https://www.tme.eu/en/details/s11-1a-c1-12vdc/automotive-electromagnetic-relays/shori-electric/

EDIT: Sorry....It looks like this supplier is in Poland. shipping might kill the deal.

 

[77 K20]

Nice- much better price.

 

[donnieray]

Thanks for the replies. After some searching I found these on Amazon. They are used for led light bars. I’m going to give them a try. I’ll report back.

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[Craig 85]

Maybe being a 40A vs 30A you'll have less issues.

 

[Snoots]

Depends on what part of the relay is going bad, the coil or the contacts.
40 amp is better but you might look into putting a diode across the coils to protect the coils.

 

[MikeB]

My buddy has a several relays in his shop and there are a couple brands (Hella is one) that are significantly heavier than the cheapies that come with various aftermarket kits. That means better quality internal parts than the ones with a low price.

 

[donnieray]

Depends on what part of the relay is going bad, the coil or the contacts.
40 amp is better but you might look into putting a diode across the coils to protect the coils.

Im going to look a little harder, the ones I found were the only direct replacements I could find quick and with Prime I got them yesterday and installed them when I got off from my night job. I'll see how these do. The diode install sounds interesting though. Thanks.

 

[donnieray]

My buddy has a several relays in his shop and there are a couple brands (Hella is one) that are significantly heavier than the cheapies that come with various aftermarket kits. That means better quality internal parts than the ones with a low price.

I'll check the Hella website, I don't mind changing out the connectors if needed. This was quick, cheap and easy. And after bypassing the relay kits and going back to stock wiring I did see a difference. They were noticeably dimmer. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Snoots]

Just use a 'garden variety' 1N4001 diode VERY close to each relay with the banded end towards +12.
You should be fine and good to go.

 

[77 K20]

On mine I found the contacts were getting "sticky". I could turn on my high beams and the lights wouldn't actually turn on. Open the hood and tap the relay then they would turn on.
I think the cheap contacts just can't handle many cycles with that amperage.

 

[highdesertrange]

I would use true Bosch or Hella relays. I like the weatherproof Hellas I wouldn't even mess with those LMC relays. but now that you have that kit you are stuck with that style relay unless you redo it. highdesertranger

 

[gmachinz]

I use weatherproof 630-series Hella relays in my headlight kits. They have a much higher % of nickel in the contact materials which means they are much more heat resistant and will last a “ Hella”-va long time vs cheapo relays.