8 replies to this topic

[Kieranlee999]

This is simple. What does the Dim Dip relay (pink) actually do?

 

I have to unplug my dim dip because the bulb stays on even with no ignition and the switch fully off so i have to unplug it. I can still turn on side lights and main beam without it. Is this right or what is the problem?

[Dan]

  Dim dip brings up a reduced level of dip beam brightness if you are driving the car with only the sidelights turned on.  It was intended for use in residential areas with street lighting where there is not a requirement to use headlamps, and actually gives you far better visibility in these areas because there is not such a huge difference between the street lighting and the headlamps.  After manufacturers complained that they didn't want to have to make specific wiring for the UK it was deemed that Britain had introduced the requirement illegally under EU law and so there is no need to keep it if you don't want it.  Curiously 20 or so years later the EU brought in daytime running lamps which give more or less exactly the same thing, for very similar reasons.

 

  Smack the relay, hard.  It may reset.  If you want to keep the system you will need a new relay, if you don't you need to bypass it and isolate the power supply to the resistor (an inline fuse).

[tiger99]

To bypass the relay, join the blue-red and blue-brown wires, tape up the others or remove them completely, then throw the relay into the nearest bin.

[roblightbody]

I'd actually like to fix mine, as it doesn't work.

 

I remember our 1989 Mini having it as standard, when our 1985 one hadn't had it, and I thought it was quite useful if, for instance, you'd just forgotten to turn the dipped headlights on.

 

On mine the relay clicks when it should, but nothing happens to the lights.

[Dan]

  Check the resistor fuse, and for presence of the resistor!

[Kieranlee999]

We had an auto electrician look at it today and he has done something to george and now everything works ill post below what he did :) thanks for all your help those that helped.

[roblightbody]

  Check the resistor fuse, and for presence of the resistor!

 

There's a resistor fuse !?

[Dan]

  A line fuse supplies the resistor which provides the alternate power for the dim-dip setting.  Look for one with brown and brown/orange wiring I think.

[Kieranlee999]

we have now dont have the dim dip in because its useless apparently the fault of all my problems was corroded wires and a couple of inline fuses that where behind the air filter.