Question on wiring BMW switches for bags

Edited: 3/5/2006 12:44:59 PM by MIGHTYMITS

Ok heres the deal Im running BMW window switches that I modified for my valves. They are illuminated, I have the power daisy chained to each switch, same thing for the ground. I can run 4 individual switches ok, But im trying to run 2 additional ones, One for front together and one for rear together. My problem is I cant isolate the valves power wires going to that middle switch that does both. So basically when I hit any front switch they are all linked together. Is there like a 1 way diode or something I can use. Or possibly run relays? Im cooking my brain here. Sorry for the book, any info is much appreciated.

if i'm thinking right you should be able to run diodes going out to the valves from the all up front and all up back. beacuse a diode will let power flow one way and let ground come through if you flip it around. so when your all up front switch is pressed it will let 12v through to the valves but then when you hit each corner the power will hit that diode and it won't let it go through beacuse it isn't a gound. i hope that makes sence.

it pretty much isolates the all up front and all up back from the each corner switches. hope that helps.

Diodes will definitly fix you up. I've used them when wiring switches in a similar manner.

yea diodes will do it get ones big enough for the power flow an only on the switch output wires

if you are gong to use diodes, you should use them as negatively biased and use relays (4, one for each bag) to turn the low amperage - to a high amperage +.

Thanks guys, Thats what I thought. I got some 50v 3 amp diodes from radio shack and that did the trick. A check valve for electricity lol.

what size diode should be used for this purpose?