4 replies to this topic

[lewBlew]

Sorry to add to the millions of headlight posts but I have searched and can't find one quite like mine.

Basically all of a sudden my o/s headlight has started misbehaving, like this:

Sidelights on, ignition set to 0 - both sides shine a bit as expected, nice and even
Sidelights on, ignition set to 1 - n/s goes slightly brighter and o/s a bit dimmer
Headlights on - n/s ok, o/s trying a bit harder but still way too dim
Full beam - n/s ok, o/s goes almost goes out but shines a bit!

Any ideas what's up? Everything else electrical on the car seems to be working, however also today the front n/s indicator bulb went, and it's definitely the bulb in that case as I swapped them to check. I also accidentally took apart the dim/dip relay while I was trying to diagnose the broken bulb, but it still clicks and does it's job with the n/s headlight, just not the o/s one it seems!!!!


EDIT: I'm assuming these units are sealed and it can't be a bulb if it's still emitting some light?

Edited by lewBlew, 24 July 2012 - 10:24 PM.

[lewBlew]

EVERYBODY STAND DOWN - I'VE FIXED IT!....

....twiddled the wires going between the two headlights.

I'll leave this quick fix here to help prevent others looking stupid also.

Now I wonder what I've broken by fixing that...

Edited by lewBlew, 24 July 2012 - 10:42 PM.

[sledgehammer]

clean up the contact areas in the bullet connector

and a nice blob of vasilene to stop any corrosion

I would also check the earth is good

Edited by sledgehammer, 25 July 2012 - 09:46 AM.

[mike.]

As above, most likely a loose connection somewhere. The bunch of bullet connectors are the grill are often neglected and takesome weather abuse from the front of the car.

[tiger99]

I would strongly advise you to make a seperate earth connection at each side of the car, and earth each headlight (and its adjacent sidelight/indicator) seperately. The common earth, via the bullet connectors at the front, is downright dangerous as it often fails, resulting in both headlights going out. Not nice on a twisty road in a dark night.

Sepatare earths use less wire too, but I guess BL considered an extra earth bolt to cost more than a few feet of wire.