7 replies to this topic

[Bobs2293]

1993 SPI Mini Cooper which is completely factory original. 
 

Both my full beams do not work on either flash or full beam setting:

I have checked both fuses and they are fine with 12V at them. 
 

The blue and white bullet connections at the slam panel do not have 12V 

 

The spotlights come on as normal with full beam on. 

i can make the full beam come on if I switch the bullet connector to the side lights.  So it’s not the bulb. 

 

Very very strange that both have stopped working…running out of ideas. Fuses are fine and have 12v. And bulbs are fine. Strange. 

 

Advice appreciated!!
 

 

 

[stuart bowes]

I'd start with the blue/white wires that don't have 12v when they should have, and trace that backwards to where it does have 12v

 

or maybe do it the other way around and start at the stalk and see if you've got 12v coming out there, I know the indicators were an issue on my loom and I traced that back to the stalk which needs replacing.  they're not potted and sealed (on mine anyway) so gunk and corrosion builds up over time

 

also, does the SPi have relay for main beam?

Edited by stuart bowes, 24 February 2025 - 12:40 PM.

[Cooperman]

Sounds like a switching issue. Do the main and dipped beams have relays? If not, rewire using relays, especially if the switch has failed.

[Bobs2293]

The wiring diagram shows no relay for main beam. Only spotlights. Which works fine. 

[Cooperman]

It is best to wire the headlights, main and dip, using relays. Not difficult and much more reliable plus less likely for the switches to fail.
By the way, I have just uprated the bulbs in my Hella H4 headlights to the Osram Nightbreaker bulbs and they are excellent.

[stuart bowes]

I used them in the volvo, they are nice and bright but they didn't last more than a year (admittedly the volvo is DRL so that doesn't help)

 

currently using Philips 'whitevision ultra' and they're still going strong nearly 2 years now, decent light but have no way of making an actual accurate comparison obviously

[viz139]

Did both lights fail at the same time? Are you measuring the voltage with the circuit open or closed (load / no load)? Have you checked inside the two fuse units for any melting?

[NLinPEN]

If both headlights failed at the same time I would guess that it is either the switch, or the common wires to and from that switch. You mention it, but are you sure that there is no relay involved? It is quite a high current going through that switch if there is no relay in the system.