No head lights!!!

**Larry** · 18th January 2009, 06:54 PM

A couple of weeks ago, the head lights on my '03 Defender failed to come on.

The parkers work, & I can flash the high beam, But no main beam.
I bought a new switch, plugged it in, but no change.
When putting the old switch back in, I bumped the flasher stalk & the lights came on.

They worked for a week, but have gone again.

I've checked the fuses etc, wiggled switches, plugs seem tight, but still no lights.

Any suggestions???

Mark.

**dullbird** · 18th January 2009, 07:08 PM

bet its the stalk burning out

**dmdigital** · 18th January 2009, 07:18 PM

I know this sounds really stupid, but ...

Do you have the ignition on when you are checking the lights?

If not that then I would suggest looking at the switch. Especially if you have higher than normal bulbs in the lights.

**solmanic** · 18th January 2009, 07:26 PM

Ahhh, the old Defender headlight switch failing trick. Probably the MOST talked about common failure on Defenders. Made even more frustrating by the fact that on a visual inspection of the switch things will usually look fine.

I can't explain why the new switch didn't work, but I echo dm_td5's query, did you have the ignition switched to "on" (not just accessory) when you tested it?

Do a search on here for Drivesafe's headlight wiring upgrade. This is the sledgehammer fix that should ensure you never have to be left in the dark again.

**Larry** · 18th January 2009, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by dm_td5

I know this sounds really stupid, but ...

Do you have the ignition on when you are checking the lights?

Not a stupid question, but yes the ignition was on.

If not that then I would suggest looking at the switch. Especially if you have higher than normal bulbs in the lights.

Do you mean the main switch or the high/low beam? I changed the main switch with no change.

**George130** · 18th January 2009, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by Larry

Do you mean the main switch or the high/low beam? I changed the main switch with no change.

That would be the high/low beam in the indicator stalk.

Mine first started to fail there. inner most blue wire caused the same as you are experiencing. 6 months later my main failed.

**Scouse** · 18th January 2009, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by dullbird

bet its the stalk burning out

Yep.
No relays on high & low I assume Mark

.

**dmdigital** · 18th January 2009, 07:42 PM

Actually I was referring to the main light switch but as Edd points out it can be the high/low selector on the indicator stalk.

Pull the steering wheel and covers off and have a look. I suspect in your case its the main switch not the indicator stalk. The both switches are easy (not relatively cheap) to replace.

**Larry** · 18th January 2009, 07:48 PM

Originally Posted by dm_td5

Actually I was referring to the main light switch but as Edd points out it can be the high/low selector on the indicator stalk.

Pull the steering wheel and covers off and have a look. I suspect in your case its the main switch not the indicator stalk. The both switches are easy (not relatively cheap) to replace.

I tried a new main switch, so I guess the high/low one is next.

Yes Scott, no relays yet.

**dmdigital** · 18th January 2009, 07:56 PM

You can bridge out the connections and this will prove if its the switch for high/low. It could also be dirty contacts.

As suggested, get the relay kit from Traxide its money well spent.

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