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2008 Kodiak Headlights

Yahoo Message Number: 8967
Ok, I have a 2009 Jayco Seneca HD on a 2008 Kodiak chassis. The headlights are not bright like I think they should be. Also, it appears like the daytime running light is just the low beam headlight. When I turn on the low beam headlights, they are the same dimness as the daytime running lights. Anyone care to offer any suggestions? I need to stay legal so no HID conversion kits or anything.

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 8968
Change to Siverstar head lamps and have them aligned.

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 8972
Here is what I did for my SenecaI purchased everything from www.buyheadlightbulbs.comI purchased the Hella 4651 seal beamed conversion headlights for $89. a pair and then the Hella High Performance Xenon Blue H4 bulbs for $26. a pair. Don't let the word blue fool you, the light is white but it is very bright. The nice thing about this conversion was that it was easy, cost effective, and provided a lot more light. There was no wiring changes and I get to keep my daylight running lights on.

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 8980
I've used Silverstars before and was not impressed.

Did you replace all four stock lights with the seal beam conversion kit?

Ted

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 8981
Yes, and to my surprise the lights were great. If I ever wanted to do HID later, I'm ready for it. Honestly, the lights are very bright and I truly feel you will be very satisfied with the performance.




Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 8982
I did the SilverStar upgrade last year before my 9000 mile trip per the forum tips...

! All i can say ....is WAY better then stock! way better way better
way better
way better
way better
way better and a cheap 15min install..
bill

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 8984
So Tim, you did two pair of the Hella 4651's and two pairs of the lamps and replaced the daytime/lowbeams, and the high beams with the same?

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 8986
I got to looking at the wiring for the headlights in GM upfitters.com and found that the ground for the headlights is on the passenger side frame aft of the chassis battery box. I was thinking and haven't done this yet, if that is to long a stretch for an effective ground. I would like to move the ground closer to the lights and see if that would make any difference. The normal grd is more than ten feet from the lights.
Denny

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 8988
I tried to reply to this post earlier and I guess that it didn't go through. I noticed when I was browsing GM Upfitters that the grd for the headlights for our M/D trucks is a good distance away. The stud is probably 8ft away on the inside of the passenger side frame aft of the chassis batteries. The resistance of the longer wire maybe what is causing our dim lights. I may be all wet here but I'm going to try a shorter wire to grd and see what happens.
Denny

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 8989
I went down a similar path when trying to solve the same dim headlight problem on my 05 Endura. One night I ran a wire from the B+ post under the hood near the firewall on the driver's side and with the headlights on, stuck it into the back side of one of the low beam plugs. Both lights instantly went from dim to bright. I also tested voltages verifying a low voltage condition under normal use and full voltage with the jumper. No need to look at the ground at that point on mine.

My solution was to install a relay system with new wiring to eliminate the low voltage condition. This included new ground wires. While I was doing the job, I went ahead and changed the low beam sealed lights to Hella HL21100 housings with H4 bulbs. I used this particular one because it is Dot approved. Could be an issue if there was ever an incident at night. Left the high beams alone (other than new wiring). Proper alignment is necessary no matter what the case.

Two notes: the HL21100's needed trimming and were still a tight fit. The terminals on H4 bulbs are a different pattern than the sealed beams that are standard on the Kodiak, even though the same plug will fit both.

For reference -

http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/relays/relays.html

Charles



Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 8992
Thanks Charles. This has been very helpful. This has become the next project.
Denny

2006 Seneca 35GS Dmax. Ford Ranger toad.

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 8994
One more question. How are the circuits affected with day light driving lights?
Denny

2006 Seneca 35GS Dmax. Ford Ranger toad.

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9002
Forgot about this detail.

When using relays to power the headlights, daytime running lights can be handled one of 3 ways that I know of.

Install the relays and have the DRL's at full low beam brightness during the day.
Install the relays and disable the DRL's by removing the fuse under the dash.
Install a control box along with the relays that will maintain the DRL function, yet provide full voltage when the headlights are turned on. Apparently the low headlight voltage problem affects many makes and models such that a company has made a business out of selling control boxes of a design particular to each model.

http://headlightplugs.com/smart.harness.html

Charles


Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9005
I looked at the site for wire harnesses. Looks like all that is needed is a relay for the headlights and 14 gauge wire. Ordered a relay from Amazon.
I did some investigation on the OEM headlights. Low beams are 35 watts and high beams are 50 watts. That may be why we have so many complaints about driving with low beams. The SilverStars have 55 watts low and 65 watts high.
When I get some good weather will do voltage checks before installing the relay.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9007
Weather turned out better than forecast.
Checked voltage at low beam socket. 10.2 volts at low beam connectors. 11.3 volts using a ground point near hood lights. Voltage at fuse panel was 12.7. When I turned high beams on voltage at lights went to 9.7 volts. Voltage went to 11.0 with a ground point near hood. Biggest problem is ground. One wire feeds all the lights on hood. This is a 18 gauge wire at best. Should be 12 gauge wire feeding headlights.
Wire size chart.
http://www.tessco.com/yts/industry/products/itm/automotive/get_wired.html
Turning all my hi-beams on will draw 18 amps. The length of ground wire is about 20' at it's longest distance.
Added another relay for hi-beams to my order.
Will post results when I get the project completed.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9008
As I suspected. I have the relays and wire and will be doing work in a week or two.
Denny

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9009
Ron Hall wrote:

Quote
When I turned high beams on voltage at lights went to 9.7
volts. Voltage went to 11.0 with a ground point near hood. Biggest
problem is ground. One wire feeds all the lights on hood.

Let me ask the dumb question, is it necessary to put in a set of relays?
Why wouldn't a new ground wire do the trick if that's the main problem?
Couldn't a new ground wire be run from the engine compartment and
spliced into the wiring going to the lights?

Greg

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9010

I have another question. Are the relays used to allow the running of a smaller wire to the switch, and the bigger juice carrying wire to the lights? This keeps the bigger wires from needing to make the trip to the switch, especially if space is tight and the switch connections are not manufactured to accept larger diameter wires? If this is true and we use relays to get more juice (bigger wire) to the lights, then what will the effect of a failed relay, will the lights not work at all? Could the relay be bypassed to get to repairs, or should a spare relay be carried? Do relays ever really fail very often anyway?

Roger

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9011
Not a dumb question. The poor ground is just one element of lousy electrical engineering. Shortening up the wire runs with proper size wire with relays will fix the problem. The ground run being so long is obviously the problem but why not take it a step further and fix the entire system. Its not that much more work. I think that GMs thinking is that these trucks were intended for in town work where the headlights
were just not that much of factor. We on the other hand on occasion drive at night on the highway. We need the headlights to do the job that any other vehicle on the highway do. Its a safty issue.
Denny

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9012

So if we do this mod, then are the stock lamps sufficient for lighting, and will our lighting improve to the point where the complaints of dim driving lights go away? BTW, my high beams appear very adequate and if I drove with them on, I would have no complaints about the lighting. Is this experienced by others, or do both the low and high beams perform poorly?

Roger

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9013
You have it right.

I bought sockets for my relay installation and carry a couple of spare relays. It's a plug-in swap if a relay ever fails.

Charles


Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9018
The whole wiring system for headlights is undersize. Least problem is + wire for low beams. It needs the ground upgraded. The - wire is to long for the load. I would fix that before doing anything else. Next upgrade will be the positive for low beam. OEM wiring was OK for 35 watt OEM blubs. But SilverStars have higher wattage and need larger wire.
I plan to run a 10 gauge wire to hood for both + & -. + run will have a 30 amp fuse on it. Then use relays to send full power to high and low beams. Relays will be energized by OEM wiring.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #25 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9024
Wow - this is great news!

I changed out the headlights on my rig last spring with the Hella 4651 and an HID kit that, until now, thought was just a p.o.s.

My problem was the same as you are all mentioning, terrible night vision. I thought that changing out to the Hella beams and HID kit would be the cure, but alas, it's just as bad. Worse in fact with the hi beams on. When I switch to hi the lights just kind of flicker and don't really come on steady. It's annoying and embarrassing at the same time.

The research you did here, Ron, with voltage checks and all makes more sense as to why my hi's won't come full on. Why GM would design them like this is one of those mysteries, I'm sure it was an oversight on the part of the electrical engineer and not an intentional design flaw.

When you do this mod could you give us all a blow by blow, with pictures, so we can follow along easily? Really appreciate your findings.

I was getting ready to find a set of BAJA lamps to put in the bumper openings. Was going to involve getting someone to make up a bracket to either weld or bolt to the frame horns so I could mount extra lamps. I may not need to do that if your fix works out.

Thanks again...
Bob

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #26 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9027
I will try to document this upgrade with pictures and instructions.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #27 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9033
I too could not find an assembly listed on the brute box site for our vehicles. I did notice however that they typically run about $100 for light duty trucks and such. I sent them a message asking if they could make a unit forth Kodiak if there were enough interest. If they respond I'll let you know. Until then, or instead of, it sounds like Ron's fix should be a minimal cost, probably around $30 I'd guess for all the wiring and relays and such? I would like to retain the drl operation if possible.

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #28 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9084
Got all the parts for headlight wiring upgrade in yesterday. I decided to do grounds and both high and low beams at one time. Now I need time to get project done. May take a couple of weeks.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #29 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9085
I Am in the process now of doing the upgrade. I have rewired the hood harnesses and today will locate and install the relays then start running wire. I am using #14 wire and new headlight plugs. The plugs were wired with #18 wire so I had to open the connectors and replace the 18 with 14. It went well and the test with the meter was good.
To answer the question of why GM would use under size wire and a long ground run. My opinion is that our trucks were primarily meant for in town daytime delivery service and therefore the headlights were not a priority. We on the other hand on occasion do some night time driving and the lights as they are just aren't up to that task. So here we are correcting that deficiency .
Denny

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #30 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9086
Why are you rewiring the truck portion?

My plan is to pull one of the headlight plugs and use the low beam power wire to signal the new relay to turn on and the high beam the same way. My thought is to have 3 relays, 1 for the low, 1 for the outer highs and 1 for the inner high's

The stock wiring even being 18 awg is more than adequate to carry the signal voltage for the relay.

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #31 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9088
I will be using the 18 for signal. My relays are remote so will have 14 to them. The grds will be close to the lights.
Denny

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #33 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9091
Just two. I believe that the DLRs will still work but probably not at the reduced voltage. We'll see.
Denny

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #34 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9092
Are you going to run the 4 high beams off of 1 relay?

The DRL's will still work, but not at the reduced voltage like you stated.

On my motor home I cannot tell a difference between the DRL and the headlights being turned on. I was out in eastern Tennessee last week and finally had to park in a rest area for the night due to the headlights being so bad.

On a different note, has anybody found any toggle switchs that match the factory switch's?

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #35 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9093
Yes. Shouldnt be a problem with 14 wire. After all the switch was carrying the load on 18.
Denny

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #36 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9094
Hello All, Dennis, just found this in my file, it may be of help with the headlights, ill send it as a photo attachment. john

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #37 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9095
I am wiring 4 relays. 2 for high beams 2 for low beams. That way I can use the OEM wiring. Just need to run 10 gauge + & - wires to each side of hood. Going to mount relays on headlight housings.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights [3 Attachments]

Reply #38 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9096
John:
I have those diagrams and am following the one that is specific to our trucks.
Thanks
Denny

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #39 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9097
If I were you Ron I would put those relays out of the headlight area. The tires throw a lot of crap into that area not to mention the rain and mud. Just sayin.
Denny

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #40 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9098
I here you Denny. I already have a relay there for a few years with no problems. I purchased pigtails and other items to make things water proof. I hope.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #41 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9099

Sounds good. Last year I installed a set of Hellas driving lights in the bumper holes. I mounted the relay high center above the engine and ran the wires in the loom. Works great. The shame is that they make the headlights seem like parking lights. Took some trial and error to get them adjusted out of on coming traffic. Got flashed a few times.
Denny

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #44 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9102
How did you mount the lights to the bumper?  Do you have any pictures by any chance 

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #45 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9103
My Son came over this morning. Helped me with my other projects for the day. Then we tackled headlight wiring. Got it done in a couple of hours.
Without getting in to the wiring that was done. I will tell you how well it worked.
Voltage at driver side low beam was 12.6 volts. This was taken at headlight connector. Same as I did in original test. Engine not running. Voltage at battery was 12.7 volts.
Turned on high beams. Voltage at high beam connector was 12.4 volts. This is a big improvement.
DRL still works but goes through low beam relay. Sending full voltage to the headlights. Voltage being sent to relay for DRL is 10.8 volts. Should be OK to make relays work. All voltages will be higher when engine is running.
I took lots of pictures to help others with wiring. For those wanting to just use 2 relays and keep them farther back in the engine compartment. There is a connector on top of passenger side frame rail just at about center of front tire. This connector feeds both headlights and directional signals on front fenders. I did not follow it back beyond that point because it got rapped into a bigger bundle of wires.
I will work on the pictures and wiring info over the next couple of days.
One note: Even though the OEM wire outside diameter is small. Insulation is thin. Wire size is 16 gauge.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #46 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9104
I removed the bumper an bolted in across the frame a piece of aluminum angle.  I believe there were existing holes.  Put the bumper back on and located the lights and then removed the bumper again.  I drilled the light mount holes and installed and wired the lights.  Reinstalled the bumper.
Denny Couldn't get the pics to attach.  I'll work on that

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #47 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9105
Sounds Great Ron. It might be worth a trip to Michigan to check-out....russ

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #48 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9106
Install of 4 relays to improve voltage to headlights on Chevy Kodiak C45/5500 chassis.

Parts list.
2 pcs ATC fuse holders with 10 gauge wire.
2 pcs 10 gauge two wire connectors.
4 pcs 12 volt DC SPDT 40 amp relays.
4 pcs 5 pin relay sockets.
4 pcs 3/8 ring 12-10 gauge wire connectors. Watertight Heat-Shrink.
14 pcs 12-10 Butt Splices. Watertight Heat-Shrink.
14 pcs 16-14 Butt Splices. Watertight Heat-Shrink.
4 pcs #10 3/4" self tapping screws.
2 pcs ATC 15 amp fuses.
25' ½" split loom tubing.
20 pcs 8" black zip ties.
6' black 10 gauge wire.
20' red 10 gauge wire.
Can Liquid tape.
Picture:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/ronjhall/Kodiak%20Headlight/PICT0034.jpg

All the items above were purchased from Amazon. Except Watertight Heat-Shrink connectors and splices. They came from Harbor Freight.

Install Notes:
OEM = Orignal Equipment Manufacture.
Use heat gun on connectors before covering them with loom.
Do not install 15 amp fuses until install is complete.
Red relay socket is not used. Tape up to protect.
Right side = Passenger.
Left side = Driver.
Tape ends of loom.
Job can be done with Female Quick Disconnects instead of relay sockets. I will give a relay pin instruction at end of install instructions.

1. Put connectors on all items as shown in picture.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/ronjhall/Kodiak%20Headlight/PICT0041.jpg
   2. Connect 2 black wires on a pair of sockets with a 16-14 butt splice.
   3. Do same to second set of sockets.
   4. Connect 2 blue wires on one pair of sockets with a 12-10 butt splice.
   5. Do same to second set of sockets.
   6. Put a 16-14 butt splice on all other wires attached to sockets.
   7.Put a 12-10 butt splice on one end of each fuse holder.
   8. Put a 3/8" ring 12-10 gauge wire connector on other end of fuse holder.
   9. Put a 12-10 butt splice on ends of 10 gauge two wire connectors. 8 places.
   10. Cut two 12" piece of black 10 gauge wire.
   11.Put 3/8" ring 12-10 gauge wire connector on end of each above black wire.
12. Start by installing fuse holders on "B" stud on fuse box. If it does not have a nut you will have to get a metric nut to fit stud. See picture.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/ronjhall/Kodiak%20Headlight/PICT0051.jpg
13. Attach a piece of red 10 gauge wire to one fuse holder wire. Cut long enough to make it to the left side of hood, about 11'. See picture.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/ronjhall/Kodiak%20Headlight/PICT0060.jpg
14. Attach a piece of red 10 gauge wire to other fuse holder. Cut long enough to it to right side of hood, about 6'. See picture.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/ronjhall/Kodiak%20Headlight/PICT0051.jpg
   15.Put both wires in a piece of loom that will make it from fuse holders to right side of hood. See picture.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/ronjhall/Kodiak%20Headlight/PICT0055.jpg
   16.Feed loom down to frame on right side using looms that already are going that route.
   17. When loom is near radiator pull out the longer red wire. Looking in this area and going toward left side of radiator is the loom holding the wires that go to left side headlights.
18. Cut a piece of loom that will make the run to left side of hood, about 6'. Feed the longer red through this piece of loom. Feed the loom under radiator zip rapping it to the OEM run of wires under radiator. See picture.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/ronjhall/Kodiak%20Headlight/PICT0056.jpg
19. Remove bolt from radiator mount. Use the left rear one. Install short piece of black wire with 3/8" ring 12-10 gauge wire connector on it under this bolt and reinstall. See picture.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/ronjhall/Kodiak%20Headlight/PICT0066.jpg
   20. Feed this black wire into loom. Route loom, red and black wire to connector with OEM wires between radiator and hood.
   21. Cut the loom, red and black wire so that the two wire connector is in the same area as OEM connector.
   22. Connect red wire to read lead on two wire connector. Make sure this is hooked to connector when unplugged, the pin does not stick out.
   23. Hook ground wire to other lead.
   24.Continue out other end of two wire connector with loom, red and black wires that will run with OEM loom. Make long enough to feed past middle of 2 OEM loom clips.
   25. ON right side of radiator install ground to right rear mounting bolt. Feed this wire into loom along with red wire. Feed loom, red and black wire to OEM connector at hood. Install two wire connectors. Making sure that red wire is hooked to connector so pin is not sticking out when disconnected.
    26. Continue the loom, red and black wire with enough length to reach past inner headlight.
   27. Using # 10 self tapping install relays above inner headlight as shown in picture. There is nothing behind this area.
28. Install right and left side relays at this time. See pictures.
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/ronjhall/Kodiak%20Headlight/PICT0065.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d172/ronjhall/Kodiak%20Headlight/PICT0059.jpg
   29. Open the OEM loom above the relays on right side headlights. You will find 5 wire in it. Separate the black, light green and tan wires.
   30. Cut the black OEM wire in the middle between the OEM mounting clips.
   31. Connect left cut wire to black pair of wires from relay sockets.
   32. Connect right black cut wire to 10 gauge ground wire from radiator mount.
   33.Connect new 10 gauge red wire to pair of blue wires from relay sockets.
   34. Cut tan OEM wire in middle between clips.
   35. Connect left tan cut wire to white wire on lower relay socket.
   36. Connect right tan cut wire to yellow wire on lower relay socket.
   37. Cut light green in middle between clips.
   38.Connect left light green cut wire to white wire on upper relay socket.
   39. Connect right light green cut wire to yellow wire on upper relay socket.
   40. Open the OEM loom above the relays on left side headlights. You will find 5 wire in it. Separate the black, light green and tan wires.
   41. Cut the black OEM wire in the middle between OEM mounting clips.
   42. Connect right black cut wire to black pair of wires from relay sockets.
   43. Connect right black cut wire to 10 gauge ground wire from radiator mount.
   44. Cut tan OEM wire in middle between clips.
   45. Connect right tan cut wire to white wire on lower relay socket.
   46. Connect left tan cut wire to yellow wire on lower relay socket.
   47. Cut light green in middle between clips.
48. Connect right light green cut wire to white wire on upper relay socket.
49. Connect left light green cut wire to yellow wire on upper relay socket.
50. Make sure all shrink tube connectors are sealed with a heat gun.
51. Tie rap loose wires and looms.
52. Open and close hood making sure that wires do not hang up.
53. Install fuses.
54. Turn on headlights with lo-beams. Check operation.
55. Turn on high beams. Check that all headlight come on.
56. Turn off headlights.
57. Turn ignition key on. DRL should come on.
58. Turn off ignition.

   Wiring without relay socket.

   Right side headlight relays.
   Pin 30 is new red wire on both relays
   Pin 87 out to headlights.
   Pin 86 is + tan (low beam) relay
   Pin 86 is + light green (hi-beam)
   Pin 85 is – black on all relays.
   Pin 87a is not used.

Best
Ron Hall

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #49 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9107
WOW!!! What a great job Ron! You just want to win another award this year for exemplary service to the list members and I'm recommending to the list czar you get an oak leaf cluster for your previous award.

I'm not sure I have the skills or drive to attack this project, but when we get back from this trip, I'm going to give it a good look. We really try not to travel at night, but better lights sure would be nice for when it happens.

Denver is cold and wet now, but it's been dry and hot for, the last few days.

Take care,
Greg

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #51 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9109
WOW! Great job with the documentation and pics. Electrical isn’t my strength, but this makes it easy. I’ll start collecting the parts I don’t have tomorrow. May have some of this from my racing days in a previous life.

Greg

MN

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #52 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9113
Got outside while it was dark out. Tried the headlights. Hard to tell how much brighter lo-beams are. But they are brighter. You had better have your sunglasses on when hi-beams are turned on.

The items in pictures cost less than $50. I did buy 2 100' rolls of 10 gauge wire and 100' of 1/2" loom. Wire was $20 each. Loom was $15. Used less than 20' off each roll. I have enough to keep my 2 sons stocked. They are always asking for little wiring projects on their vehicles.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #53 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9114
Quote
The items in pictures cost less than $50. I did buy 2 100' rolls of 10 gauge wire and 100' of 1/2" loom. Wire was $20 each. Loom was $15. Used less than 20' off each roll. I have enough to keep my 2 sons stocked. They are always asking for little wiring projects on their vehicles.

You better hold onto it, you'll need it when 50 Kodiaks show up in your yard next week!

Take care,
Greg


Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #54 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9115
David Sparke wrote:

Quote
Get the weather back to warm and dry, we'll be out there next
week. (Highlands Ranch)

The weather is supposed to turn beautiful on Monday and be that way for
the next week. Of course we're leaving Tuesday morning so that would be
the case.

We're at Cherry Creek State Park so Highlands Ranch isn't too far from
here. There is talk by one wife that we should be looking for a condo
here for some longer future visits.....anyone wanna house in NC? ;-)

Take care,
Greg

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #55 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9116
Wow, that was close. For a split second I thought you were going to trade the Kodiak for a condo to solve the headlight problem. :)

Don


Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #56 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9117
The problem is example of our shitty auto companies who needed to have their asses bailed out. Its incorrectly engineered plain and simple. The mediocrity of America hard at work. Sad but true that a high school physics student could do the calculation(s) and determine the correct wire size.

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #57 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9119
Ron help me out. I found that the front turn signals will not work unless the headlight switch is in park or better. They will not work at all with the switch off.
Its probably something stupid.
Denny

2006 Seneca 35GS Dmax. Ford Ranger toad.

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #59 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9123
I figured it out. I had crossed the clearance and turn wires on both fender lights when I installed them. LEDs are funny. Thanks. I figured it out at about 2 am and it woke me up.
LOL
Denny

2006 Seneca 35GS Dmax. Ford Ranger toad.

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #60 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9125
I found some little 10Watt LED lights that cast more than a (legal) amount of light - and they are tiny - we use them on our off-road cars.  A little spend at $90 each but voltage and current are not an issue with drawing about 1 Amp and they operate at 9-20 Volts.http://www.visionxstore.com/XIL-S1100NOTE: These are way brighter than any factory car headlight.      

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #61 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9776
Had a little setback with my headlight project. Directional signals and headlights started to not work properly. Found that one of the relays had failed. This fed a small positive voltage into the ground system. Headlights, directional signals and front running lights would not operate properly.
Disconnected everything, then started back tracking until I found what was causing problem. Since I was leaving on a trip. I put every thing back together as original. Except for the ground wires. When I get time I will look into wast is needed to make relays work. Then come up with something to keep a failed relay from feeding positive voltage into the front ground. Probably need a diode.
Headlights are still much brighter with the added ground wire.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #62 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9778
Ron:

For those of us who have not done the work yet...

Would it be worth it just to run the improved ground wire? Is that sufficient / good enough?

Kevin (Lazy - or maybe BUSY) McCoy

Kevin (Real) McCoy [KF5FUZ]
("Roscoe Ventura" Jayco Seneca HD SS 34 Diesel 2006; "Toad" Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2007)

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #63 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9779
The ground wire does make a difference. Checking voltage at chassis ground showed improved voltage by 1 volt.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #64 –
Yahoo Message Number: 9814
While Russ was at my place we added the round wire. Did some checking of continuity. Found that location where I put grounds was not a good place. While it did improve ground it was not a good place because the mounts have rubber isolators. I have changed ground location to bolts on the firewall on both sides. This may have been why my relays failed.
Using my MH as a pattern. Placed a 4X8 sheet of hard insulation 25' out from MH. Measured location of headlights. Then moved sheet of insulation in front of Russ's MH. His headlight beams were 12" below what mine measured after accounting for difference in height of our 2 MH's. We adjust the low beams so that they were at similar location as mine. Did not make much adjustment on high beams.
Best
Ron Hall

Re: 2008 Kodiak Headlights

Reply #65 –
Yahoo Message Number: 11691
I see this was done on a 2008, wonder if it would be the same for a 2007? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Don