Hi people, i've asked about this on here sometime ago, but since the MOT and Tax ran out it didn't bother me, now i want to use the car again, so need this problem sorted.
Basicaly my headlights work fine in the usual position, but put the full beam on and they don't stay on.
I've already replaced the relay? (the box in the engine bay bulkhead) to no avail, so next i changed the light switch itself on the dash, and still no joy
So i can only pressume its a bad earth or something, but where should i be looking?
Oh and on a final note, they do work if you hold the lever in position, they just wont stay on.
Any ideas, solutions would be much appreciated.
89 3dr 340DL in Battleship grey with Ultralights and Williams power
Whats the matter with the car i'm driving can't you tell that it's out of style?
When you changed the switch, did the bracket over the top of the steering column look broken? That has a little plastic noggle that stops the switch from moving (rotating) too far round. If its broken, switch can rotate, and the steering column then stops it moving far enough back to latch, even though the mains will still flash first.
From memory, I may be wrong on this one, but if you look on the inside of the car from the footwell to the back of where the fuse box is on the bulk head, so remove the cover under the steering column to gain access, there are some wires and connections that go to the fuse box the other side. They sometimes corrode, so remove those and give a good clean with some electrical contact cleaner or something may help.
There are some relays suspended on the steering column support below the stalks, once again with the panel removed, I know one of these works the indicators, and I seem to think one has something to do with the headlights, once again could be wrong.
It might be worth consulting the Haynes wiring diagram if you have a copy handy, as that may show any other relays or connections that might cause a problem. Also, did you replace with a new or used relay and was it the right type etc, as even a new one might be duff? I had a dodgy Unipart bulb the other week that had the two elements joined together, illuminating both brake and side light at once making it always on when the lights were on, so never be afraid to doubt new parts or check if they are working!
I know we've had this problem once before in a 300, and I'm sure it was the relay, same thing, holding the stalk for main beam.
Aha, got it! Chris's post just reminded me, it's probably the earth connection on the under side of the stalk, the bottom screw holding the stalk onto the bracket has either rattled loose or the thin plastic has snapped and allowed it to undo, and that connection will stop the main beam latching. As Chris says, the other option is a possibility it is is very loose and flapping about, but I'd imagine it is the earth.
Pete
G reg 360 GLT, G reg 340 GL Variomatic, plus many more..........
Well typically this problem has reared is ugly head again and just to be uber gay it decided to do it while i was taking a young lady out
So same thing, the headlights just won't work, only on sidelights even when the switch is in position 2 and the ignition is on.
I've got a feeling it's a loose connection as they work sometimes, but i didn't fancy driving her home down dodgy country lanes on just side lights.
So where should i look, i've changed the switch and the flasher relay, and had a general look for broken wires but can't find anything.
I so hate electrics, how can you fix something you can't see?
89 3dr 340DL in Battleship grey with Ultralights and Williams power
Whats the matter with the car i'm driving can't you tell that it's out of style?
Well typically this problem has reared is ugly head again and just to be uber gay it decided to do it while i was taking a young lady out
So same thing, the headlights just won't work, only on sidelights even when the switch is in position 2 and the ignition is on.
I've got a feeling it's a loose connection as they work sometimes, but i didn't fancy driving her home down dodgy country lanes on just side lights.
So where should i look, i've changed the switch and the flasher relay, and had a general look for broken wires but can't find anything.
I so hate electrics, how can you fix something you can't see?
The main thing to remember is that electricity doesnt actually exist.
its just a scare story (like germs and possible worldwide nuclear holocaust) invented by adults to keep the young in a sufficent amount of fear to remain easily controled.
Cars work on magic. Plain and simple.
Theres brown magic - which goes down the pipes.
And Blue magic - which goes round the wires.
If youre having trouble with your headlights, i would suggest inserting 3-8 long thin pins into the rear bumper near the left hand edge of the number plate pannel. (hold your hand just above the surface and move slowly to find the warm area of possitive energy which may have gotten stuck here).
Place pins one at a time. Sometimes you only need one or two.
It'll be the three multiplugs under the dash, they go into the back of the fuse box. If you have an original radio with a working code, you might need it. Unplug all three and give them a good spray with contact cleaner and then press them back, making sure that they're clicked firmly into place. Do the same on the three connectors on the outside of the fuse box.
Then you need to check and clean the relays under the steering column. Look for a pair of relays with white, yellow wires, there should be two of them. One also has a blue and red wire, and that one will come on with the ignition. The second one will come on with the switch. They very rarely go bad, more likely corroded connections in that multiplug.
Just a quick update, i pulled out the 3 block connectors out from under the dash, they looked clean and in fine fettle.
So i just sprayed them with that electrical spray stuff, put it back together and i have working headlights again .
The only question now is how long for
Thanks for all the advice guys.
89 3dr 340DL in Battleship grey with Ultralights and Williams power
Whats the matter with the car i'm driving can't you tell that it's out of style?
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