pdw709
|
| posted on 5/9/05 at 02:30 PM |
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
David Jenkins
|
| posted on 5/9/05 at 02:44 PM |
|
|
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
|
|
|
Hellfire
|
| posted on 5/9/05 at 02:58 PM |
|
|
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:
- Earth Straps specifically related to headlights. Make sure all clean and well connected.
- Switch contacts - check integrity
- Relay function (if used)
Nice car BTW!!!
[Edited on 5-9-05 by Hellfire]
|
|
|
pdw709
|
| posted on 5/9/05 at 03:15 PM |
|
|
Thanks.
Sounds like its must be either the Relay or the Earth. I'll have a closer look tonight.
Cheers
Phil
|
|
|
David Jenkins
|
| posted on 5/9/05 at 06:38 PM |
|
|
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
|
|
|
tom_loughlin
|
| posted on 5/9/05 at 09:17 PM |
|
|
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
|
|
|
Peteff
|
| posted on 5/9/05 at 11:00 PM |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
