Switched supply

[GeoffSmith]

Not now, but thanks for the offer Phil - a couple of spares arrived out of the blue.

[peter canepa]

Geoff,
I see it now its perfect, but did I miss something or did you reveal the part # for us in the US?
Peter

[GeoffSmith]

Peter,

I've picked up a few switches off eBay for less than 5GBP each. They're from the Vauxhall/Opel Carlton/Senator.

The relay I used for picking up the supply is undoubtedly a bog standard one - maybe my fairy godmother in Whitley Bay could confirm? All I did was to drill a hole in the cover then solder the heater wires between the switched supply and earth. Originally, I was going to pull the relay apart and use it as a plug, but I argued that if the fan comes on, it can only aid the demisting process.

Provided your seat heaters are less than 35W (and you haven't got aircon), you should be able to use this feed.

Geoff

[peter canepa]

Geoff,
Thanks I think I get it now. I will begin the search, on EBAY. The actual seat heaters are every where around here. I want the dash to look stock. I'll try that thin plastic trick to turn the symbol red.
Many thanks

[GeoffSmith]

I've had a quick look on eBay but there doesn't appear to be anything about at the minute. They turn up every so often though.

Actually, a better solution to the white logo is to use an indelible red CD/DVD pen. It works a treat!

Geoff

[DeeAitch]

Yes, these are std 1/2 width relays - scrap yards over here are full of them
I think they are called 'ISO Micro relay - plug in'
Available in SPST (4pin) & SPDT (5 pin)

Either will fit, although the socket is only wired for the 4 pin.
I need to check the wiring diagram but I don't think you can use this to power the seat heaters as, IIRC, it switches to earth, therefore you would be putting the seat heaters in series with the fan motor. I'm sure Goeff will be along soon to confirm or flame me

The seat heat switches are indeed Carlton - possibly early Senator as well - but please note they are single position only. Most kits these days require a 2 position switch.
Not so easy to find these days tho' and if you do find them they may need new illumination bulbs.

[GeoffSmith]

If you pick up pins 1 and 2 from the relay as I did, you have a switched live and earth - this has a 3A fuse in the feed and goes directly through the switch. Check the Wiki for the wiring.

If you're going to use the relay, then you must disconnect the connection to the fan before connecting your load. As Dave says, this is now a switched earth so you will have to provide power to the load (via a suitable fuse of course).

Remember to disconnect the battery first!