Using the diodes TEXmud you get about a .6 volt drop. It is very slight but with all three lights on I can tell you it doesn't even come close to making a difference. I think the real issue is the amount of extra current running through the switch.

The relay method can will give the same voltage (electrical system max) to all headlights and the load on the switch is not a factor.

With that said I went with the diodes. Just a lot easier to install, smaller and cheaper.

Has anyone using the diodes had a problem with the headlight switch yet?

 

sounds like a good deal....can the alernator hold up to the extra amperage draw at idle or will the battery light come on???

 

i haven't had any problems with the battery light, but a smart thing to do would use only the 3 lights when needed....don't need to put extra drain on the system....

 

If there are true relays on the quad already that control the headlights, a diode will not cause any voltage drop and will not stress any switch. Can someone tell me where these relays are? I found two up under the pod that I havent pulled yet to see if they are the right ones.

 

I believe Elkbow maybe correct, you probably can splice into the wires in the gauge pod but I didn't want a bunch of wire mods done in there since I already have the reverse override mod done in there. I went to the underhood underneath the front rack cause it was easy to get to and you don't see nothing. either way is fine. Elkbows kit sounds nice, I would recommend his kit for anyone looking cause it sounds like he has made a nice kit for $10

 

Silvebullet is right, you can splice further down in the harness. I put it in the headlight pod because I'm installing a switch with the kit, so I keep the wires no longer than a foot to connect up to the switch. If you're not putting in a switch, you can connect the diode anywhere on the harness....

 

Might be nice to have the splice a little higher up as in the pod for deep water crossings.

Dave, I installed the kit and it works great. I haven't had time to do any long-term testing on the trails but will report back, hopefully with pictures.
Jim

 

elkbow, ever thought of making a fan switch mod? Us mudders need to keep the fan on manually a lot. Most folks wire their own, but if there was a nice kit I would assume it would sell. Seems like you already found switches that match.

 

If any of you guys are interested I have a few pictures of the conversion with the switch on my profiles photo bucket link. Unfortunately I neglected to take wiring shots, but it couldn't have been easier. Dave has a good kit with instructions, well worth it!
Jim

 

which ever way you guys choose to do the headlight mod is a great way to add alot of extra light for very little money. I agree with elkbow with the idea to not always leave the lights on high unless you need them, I usually turn them on high at night or when going through the deep woods cause the trees are so thick and tall the sunlight doesn't shine through. the headlight mod is a great mod and the reverse override mod is great too but the problem I have found with that one is that once done you lose the ability to switch the tach/time/rpm/hours display using the yellow button. I installed the kit then cut the wires and added a four wire connector so that I can connect the switch for winter plowing and then disconnect it for the rest of the year. the mod makes it nice to plow without having to push the button and back up cause the revlimiter doesn't kick in and you have full speed.