Lost High-Beam

Post by **Chris** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 1:38 pm

Hello again!

I've just had to change a bulb as it simply wasn't working (actuall proved harder than it should have been... note to self: there is no need to remove the entire fitting!!)

Anyway, now both lights are working on dip, but as soon as I go to high-beam both lights cut out.

Any ideas?
Chris

Post by **Stig** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 1:52 pm

I've had one headlight fail on a couple of occasions and both times it's been the wiring and not the bulb (of course I've taken the bulb out first and then found this out). Those bullet connectors get all the rain & muck up front and waggling the wires during the bulb replacement could well have caused a corroded connector to, er, not connect. I doubt it's a fuse 'cos I don't think there is one just for the lights, well *three* fuses would have been an extravagance...

Post by **bigginger** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 2:06 pm

It's also worth checking/cleaning the earth, near the back of the hockey sticks, as it seems to get mucky and corroded on a regular basis. Can't actually remember if that's where the earth is on metal winged cars though, but you get my drift.
a

Post by **Pyoor_Kate** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 2:08 pm

I doubt it's a fuse 'cos I don't think there is one just for the lights, well *three* fuses would have been an extravagance...

And with the high quality lucas electrics, something is unlikely to go wrong anyway!

Anyway, now both lights are working on dip, but as soon as I go to high-beam both lights cut out.

What sort of state are the connectors in? If they're okay, do the bulbs both actually work? (take them out and check would be my advice, even if they're new!). If they are okay, then I guess I'd work backwards to the foot-switch, checking with a multimeter for volts and cleaning all the bullet connectors on the way.

Post by **ericwork** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 2:50 pm

It is unlikely to be the earth as you are getting low beam. check the connections to the dip switch on the floor, i have had that fail before now.

Post by **rayofleamington** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 2:53 pm

Was high beam working before you changed the bulb?

The wiring passes down the right hand side of the engine bay (left hand side when you are standing infront of the car looking into the engine bay) and then splits off 2 ways at a bullet connector. It's possible you have disturbed this connector / wiring when moving the headlight base unit - especially if it was the right hand headlight.

If there is no voltage at the splitter connector then trace it back - Also have a good wiggle at the dipswitch connector.

Post by **bigginger** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 3:05 pm

ericwork wrote:It is unlikely to be the earth as you are getting low beam. check the connections to the dip switch on the floor, i have had that fail before now.

Still worth checking - I've had the same symptoms, honest. I'd start at the dip switch and trace it through though, once you've verified the bulb. Check there's power methodically at each connection, and you should be able to isolate the fault.
a

Post by **Chris** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 3:22 pm

Fantastic stuff

Cheers for the help guys

After playing with the dip-switch and as many bullet connecters as I could find, it works. I'm surprised as to how simple the whole circuit is for the lights, I tend to think electrics and run.

Again cheers for the help,
Chris

Post by **bigginger** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 3:51 pm

Well, I know people are always praising Mogs as being good to learn on, but when it comes to electrics they couldn't be much simpler - just like playing with bulbs and batteries at primary school. Well done.

a

Post by **Kevin** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 4:40 pm

Chris to help the connectors you can always spray a bit of ignition sealer or WD40 on them to help keep things sealed a bit better.

Post by **Chris** » Thu Dec 23, 2004 4:45 pm

Cool, I think I will take heed of that advice.

Post by **guydenning** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 1:20 pm

[quote="Pyoor_Kate]
And with the high quality lucas electrics, something is unlikely to go wrong anyway![/quote]

Lucas - Prince of Darkness

Post by **Kevin** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 1:48 pm

Lucas - Prince of Darkness

http://www.kitcar.com/articles-kitcar/h ... rince.html

Post by **Gareth** » Fri Dec 24, 2004 5:25 pm

I like that, Kevin.

Raised a smile ;)