Jeeping the Jeep out of Jeep (KC Hilites problem) - Ezra Moro

Joyous! You're reading this if you're massively bored or you actually have an issue with your KC Hilites. 

Okay here's the deal, the lights are a great product, however, the KC3300 relay switch that comes with the wiring kit is a bad design. Unlike most automotive relay switches, you can actually open and disassemble the stock KC Hilites KC3300 relay. I wish I knew why that was even an option when they cost just $15 USD a piece? Anyway! 

So an acquaintance has a set of KC Hilite Apollo Pro 6" lights with the #151 option, which is a "spread" pattern of light; neither spot nor flood. The kit comes complete with everything you need for installation, minus a couple sheet metal screws you may need (I just installed the relay by finding a hole in the sheet metal above the fender and bolting it on), and zip ties. 

Great lights. Given the relatively low cost of the units, illumination distance, and the 100 watts of power per H3 bulb, I'd say they're quite a steal. 

The issue is the relay switch. For some reason the OEM unit can be disassembled, which is odd. As I mentioned above, why would you bother when they're so cheap? I digress because the issue is it allows moisture to get inside the switch, and stops the lights from working. 

I bought a replacement unit from KC (right here) and it's fully sealed, which is great. See the bottom pic. I know, it's on a Bosch box, sorry. But you get the idea, it's been glued shut at the factory.

KC 3300 relay

But wait, there's more. See before buying the KC unit I thought I'd be smart and buy a similar 5 post relay from Bosch. I thought "great, I don't need to wait for an online delivery". Murphy's Law right: whatever can happen, will happen. If you look closely you'll see the two middle posts on the top of the photo are marked "87" but one is marked "87a". Don't buy a relay switch for your lights with an "87a" post. That simply means the relay switch for that post will be in the "closed" or powered (energized) position, as soon as you connect to the battery. What you need is a 5 post relay with two "87" posts, and only 87. 87 without the a means the resting position of the relay switch is open, or not powered. So, no 87a!

There, that's my story on Jeep Wranglers and 5 post relay switches for KC Hilites. I hope it helps someone!

Bosch relay 0 332 209 150 - v23234-a1001-y036

(Vehicle is a 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited sport model in Sahara Tan)

-  Ezra Moro