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Author: Subject: Headlights doing funny things...
pdw709

posted on 5/9/05 at 02:30 PM Reply With Quote
Headlights doing funny things...

Last night I noticed that my headlights have stopped working. I say stopped, but they are doing funny things.....

When I have them turned on with the engine, they are very faint. When I turn the engine off they remain faint, until eventually they dim and go out. They then refuse to light up whilst the engine is turned off.

Wierd. Any ideas?

Phil

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David Jenkins

posted on 5/9/05 at 02:44 PM Reply With Quote
I'd start off by checking for bad joints, and particularly for bad earths.

If you've used a relay for the headlights then I'd consider swapping it for another.

If you didn't use a relay then I'd check the switch! (Sierra column switches don't have much current carrying capacity - they were designed for relays originally, I believe).

David






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Hellfire

posted on 5/9/05 at 02:58 PM Reply With Quote
AS DJ says really... sounds like a bad earth or switch that's burnt out if you haven't used relays.

It initially sounded like a battery fault but if your engine starts ok then that can be ruled out.

First things first:


  1. Earth Straps specifically related to headlights. Make sure all clean and well connected.
  2. Switch contacts - check integrity
  3. Relay function (if used)


Nice car BTW!!!

[Edited on 5-9-05 by Hellfire]






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pdw709

posted on 5/9/05 at 03:15 PM Reply With Quote
Thanks.

Sounds like its must be either the Relay or the Earth. I'll have a closer look tonight.

Cheers

Phil






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David Jenkins

posted on 5/9/05 at 06:38 PM Reply With Quote
BTW: If it helps, it sounds like you have a "nearly connection" somewhere - something that seems to be conducting OK, but goes high-resistance due to dirt or similar.

I would look for a loose connector (it's on, but can be pulled off easily), a badly-made spade connector, a relay that's gone 'light' on the contacts, or switch in the same state.

You might get good results when testing with a meter or small test bulb, but not find this kind of thing - look for good mechanically sound joints.

Have fun!
David






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tom_loughlin

posted on 5/9/05 at 09:17 PM Reply With Quote
something that made my headlights very odd was the earth above the light switch - where there are 23 spade connectors perpendicular to each other - the one closest to the hazard switch is the heasdlights, the other is wipers unless im mistaken.

it was a long time till i found that out - but such a good feeling when everything works ok.

Just got back from my first night drive, bit foggy, but made it a little more interesting.

Tom

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Peteff

posted on 5/9/05 at 11:00 PM Reply With Quote
After it had been out in the rain my hazard switch illuminates the ignition and oil lights. I'd thought of calling in an exorcist.





yours, Pete

I went into the RSPCA office the other day. It was so small you could hardly swing a cat in there.

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