Thread: 98 Defender headlights

Hi Stanfor.I had similar problems -1997 def.-it turned out to be the headlight relay ,this is located in the fuse box.There are four relays side by side and the decal on the fuse box cover will indicate which one.From memory the relays are inter changeable- so a quick swap may solve the problem.Hope this is of some help.Cheers Lochie

I was under the impression that even at this date the Defender did not have headlight relays. In this case the problem is likely to be either the headlight switch itself or the multifunction switch (does High beam flasher work?), and fitting headlight relays is a "good idea". The switches may be repairable or may need replacing.

John

Lochie

Thanks mate, I already tried that but it didn't help.
The relay is actually clicking when main beam is selected on the switch, and when the starter key is turned to "ignition".

JDNSW - it seems to not be the switches as the flash highbeam is working and the headlight switch is operating as it should.

More than likely It will be the headlamp switch as JDNSW has stated, they do not have relays on the high OR low beam, (Unless someone has fitted them) and the highbeam flash will work whether the headlamp switch is operational or not. The relay you are hearing is the main lamp control relay, this will come on when ignition is on and parklamps (and then headlamps) are selected.

To test the blown switch theory, trace the Blue with White trace wire from the multiplug that feeds the dipswitch and apply 12V to it, the headlamps will illuminate (With the ignition on) on low beam, and the Blue wire with red trace is the high beam.


JC

OK, that worked except blue/red was low and blue/white was high - but the main thing is that your theory is right.

So just to be clear it is the headlight switch that has failed, and not the dipper combination switch?

Thanks to all who have replied, I am amazed at the generosity of spirit of people on these forums, it is indeed a wonderful resource.

Regards
Scott

Yes, this test shows that the headlamp main switch has failed, you would be best advised to fit one of these; Headlight Kits

The difference in brightness and reliability of your headlamp circuit will be unbelievable

JC

Also land rover changed the headlight switch connector from the 95 defender to the 98 defender. The switch is the same but connector different and the 98 one is twice the price of the 95 one. In my 98 defender I have one from a 95 one.

From the top of my head one is $150 and the other is $70

Found this out by nicking the unit out of my 95, 90 one weekend when the 98 110 lights failed and need to use it at night. When on Monday I went to order a new one I nearly fell over and so I order a replacement 95 one and cut of the old connector on the old 98 and fitted it to the new headlight switch and fitted to my 98 110. Been on there for a year or so now

Originally Posted by Reads90

Also land rover changed the headlight switch connector from the 95 defender to the 98 defender. The switch is the same but connector different and the 98 one is twice the price of the 95 one. In my 98 defender I have one from a 95 one.

From the top of my head one is $150 and the other is $70

Found this out by nicking the unit out of my 95, 90 one weekend when the 98 110 lights failed and need to use it at night. When on Monday I went to order a new one I nearly fell over and so I order a replacement 95 one and cut of the old connector on the old 98 and fitted it to the new headlight switch and fitted to my 98 110. Been on there for a year or so now

Certainly a good idea, they are after all identical switches, I have done a few like this

JC