MK1 GTI Karmann Cab - Quad Headlight Update & MFA

My mother owns an '89 MK1 Golf GTI that's in rock solid condition, but it need some minor fixes. The LCD clock has (as is basically guaranteed) failed an bled out, and the headlights are roughly the same brightness as shining your phone torch through your jeans pocket.

I am looking at options for fixing the headlights right now and not being an expert, I'm struggling.

I have found a few dual Hella kits that are all out of stock and some mention of relay upgrades (smh)

Can the bulbs just be swapped out for more powerful equivalents or is the relay upgrade required?

If the headlights themselves need to be swapped out, what am I searching for when looking for the inner/outer lights? I only seem to see one size.

For bonus points, anyone know a reliable shop that can fix the MFA in or around Cheshire?

There are replacement panels for the LCD out there, the one that I usually see are on a vanagon forum.

Now, as for the lights I will suggest something that you need to know.

Verify that your Battery to frame and frame to engine grounds are good.

I have a quick test on this
https://www.volkswagenownersclub.com/threads/brianos-quick-grounds-test.134637/?post_id=765374#post-765374

Then relay your head lights as you take the load off your head light switch.
You can buy a ready made kit off of amazon for a few quid.  Make sure that your kits include ceramic sockets for the lamps.

Here is the Schematic of the 2 relay.


Here is an updated schematic with 3 relays, allows all filaments of the main bulb to light up when you turn on the high's.



Why, as you are shortening the run from the main battery Positive to the lamps.

You are also goosing the Voltage and current from your battery from
One one of mine were wonk.
One was slightly higher than the other.




After the relay:






Why Shorter run of wire, New Connectors, New Common Ground from the frame to the headlights.

Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/HUIQIAODS-Headlight-Ceramic-Wiring-Harness/dp/B09KGYXHG4/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1J5ZM5662N5HK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BBATl1BXhbYkqzYYGKTlzIxbgVRZ5pdj8VQ9TRm3EW2Nl_ycgbf-mddWYpkeMT7IRkghWElj53xsedBe1jkRFdFvV2vfb0wX5Q2QpPmxCxnnMjncIEZ4x0ZDk-LAhXXtfw1nUFs7t9BTyQkOlJlBotigubsQiIuH2OKWJLo2-L-XnGt-z6SkgT_vdiEtRbC8cn8Aeb5ouEClvfWYdZuR2-grRKWJWx_IMwxh3_D31XU.DAyA81Omm7L3Of1Y8gLViGGY5txfj3WBKYNscu-57rM&dib_tag=se&keywords=headlight%2Brelay%2Bkit&qid=1719449229&sprefix=headlight%2Brelay%2Bki%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-3&th=1
 

Have a read of this article, it may give you some insight.

https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=electrical-faq_2%2Fmfa-operating-guide-and

The MFA screen is available from Classic VW 
https://www.classic-vw.co.uk/lcd-clock-replacement-screen-with-mfa-mk1--mk2-golf-jetta-caddy-30675-p.asp

(But currently showing out of stock) - other outlets like Heritage may have them. 

You can buy a headlamp wiring upgrade from Classic VW 
https://www.classic-vw.co.uk/headlight-loom-upgrade-h4-bulbs-mk1--2-golf-jetta-caddy-23058-p.asp


 As Briano1234 says, check the earth straps to make sure you have good contacts. 

https://www.cabby-info.com/electrical.htm