Thread: headlights wont come on

Thanks heaps guys.
I'm gonnatake the indicator stalk out tomorrow & if it appears ok I'll get auto elect to check relays & instal if needed.

Are you guys sure a 05 Td5 110 does not have a headlamp relay ,

I read that here so fitted aftermarket hi & low beam relays in the engine bay only to later discover there is already a headlight relay in the fusebox, and its even shown in the '99 Td5 wiring diagram

I had another look in the fuse box area and there does appear to be a headlight relay there. It even shows on the sticker diagram. Is it possible that it is faulty?

Should I give it a couple of taps and see if the lights fire up?
If there is one there, it didn't stop my old indicator stalk burning out.
Perhaps I shoud get the sparky to change it to a quality relay.

I'd try to pull the relay out, you have to jiggle a bit as you pull it (the relay) and pull the one next to it, if it looks the same swap them over, and see if the lights work. if you turn the headlights on -off or change beams you should be able to hear the relay clicking.

Check the 2 relays near the fuses you mentioned are plugged in properly. The relays only turn the headlights off with the ignition, not any dipping function, hence the switch still fails. If the relay/s are loose or failed you'll have parkers only.

Sounds like it might be relays.
I'll have a stab at it tomorrow.

Thanks guys
Much appreciated.

Originally Posted by JDNSW

It can be either the combination switch or the main light switch. The headlights do not operate through a relay, and the switches are only just up to the job. Any increase in wattage of headlights without fitting relays means an imminent failure of one or both switches.

The relays fitted with your extra lights almost certainly did not add relays for the original headlights.

I would suggest that you find which switch is at fault, replace it, and add headlight relays as suggested.

John

Actually there is a relay in the standard headlight circuit. Current goes through the headlight switch, then down to one of the relays near the fuse panel, then back to the dip switch. The relay is actuated by the ignition. When turned off the headlights go out. Idea is obviously to reduce the likelihood of flat battery when driver forgets to turn off them off when parking.

Headlight switch on my '97 build Defender burnt out so only parkers and taillights would operate. Quick and cheap repair was to bypass headlight switch, relay and dip switch and just have a two way toggle switch. One way is high beam and the other low beam. One result is that the lights seem brighter because there would be less voltage drop through one switch than through two switches, a relay and the lengths of wire to and from it. I find this handy at times, especially on farm to be able to have headlights on to provide light without motor running, even though have flattened battery a couple of times by accidentally not turning them off. Also, occasionally can forget to turn on parkers and taillights still operating through original headlight switch. Instrument lights not on provide reminder of this though.

Possibly this setup may not be legal for roadworthy requirements. However, before replacing the standard switch with a new one, would install the headlight relay and heavy wiring kit so the main current for the headlights would not go through the inadequate setup which Joseph Lucas, Prince of Darkness appears to have inflenced the design of.

Originally Posted by mox

Actually there is a relay in the standard headlight circuit. Current goes through the headlight switch, then down to one of the relays near the fuse panel, then back to the dip switch. The relay is actuated by the ignition. When turned off the headlights go out. Idea is obviously to reduce the likelihood of flat battery when driver forgets to turn off them off when parking.

......

That is correct on later Defenders. However, this relay, as pointed out by others, does not reduce the current in the switches - it merely introduces yet another set of contacts in the circuit to be a potential source of trouble. (and reminds me of an embarrassing situation a few years back when I flashed my headlights, including driving lights, as these came on with high beam, via a relay - the contacts on the relay welded together, leaving high beam permanently on, and the switch ineffective).

John