7 replies to this topic

[trashy]

Mini Cooper RSP (1990) spotlights - replaced the bulbs but still no light when on full beam

 

Verified that I have 12v across the terminals.

 

Verified that the bulbs work by connecting to old battery.

 

Any other ideas?  Thanks!

Edited by trashy, 08 November 2020 - 02:22 PM.

[Maccmike8]

If you are getting power to the bulbs, and we know the bulbs work, I suspect you have a bad earth.

[trashy]

If you are getting power to the bulbs, and we know the bulbs work, I suspect you have a bad earth.

Thanks - you're probably correct.   Both 12v and earth enter the loom near the bulkhead. Are there any earthing points that are worth checking/cleaning?

Edited by trashy, 08 November 2020 - 03:30 PM.

[Maccmike8]

Use a multimeter or test lamp to work backwards from the earth wire in the lamp.

[NDT]

Check resistance of the wires.

I once spent days tracking down a wiring fault on my VX220 engine management loom. I checked voltage at the terminal and everything was 12v.

It turned out one of the wires was corroded inside - the resistance was 1000's of times higher than it should have been - the 12v at no current would have been virtually 0v as soon as any current flowed.

[andyapanel]

Check the bullet connectors.

I get rid of them and solder the wires together.

I also run in a couple more earths, just to be on the safe side. The last thing you want is to lose lights this time of year.

I like to keep my RSP as original as possible, but as this is safety related, I think it is worth the sacrifice. I would also recommend looking in to a Wired by Wilson relay kit for your lights; melting light switches are SO smelly. 

[trashy]

Thanks for your tips  - will be looking at this over the weekend and will report my findings!

[trashy]

Turned out that the 12v live connection to the relay was bad - some contact cleaner and a waggle seems to have cured it.  Thanks for all your help.

Edited by trashy, 18 November 2020 - 11:55 AM.