Headlamps....2000 110

[gconran]

So was driving yesterday and looked down at dash an realise my headlamps are off despite the switch being on...

On closer inspection the first click forward of the switch works,and turns
On the side lamps,but no joy with clicking it all the way on,no headlamps :(

However if I pull the full beam switch everything works...

Advice please!I kno I have read somewhere on here about relays etc but not sure what the deal is and if it is easily remedied?!

Thanks

[JDNSW]

From the description, the problem is either the headlight switch or the blinker/dip/horn switch, best guess is the headlight switch (if it was the other one it is likely one beam would work).

These are readily replaceable (but not particularly cheap - although the way the dollar is going this may no longer be accurate!), but the long term problem is that, particularly if higher wattage bulbs have been fitted, the current through the new switch will eventually destroy it as well.

It is preferable to fit a relay(s) to switch the actual headlight current. This should be fitted as near to the headlights as possible, and have a fused feed line direct from either the starter solenoid or the alternator. This can be done fairly easily by anyone with a modicum of electrical knowledge, including any auto electrician, but Drivesafe, who advertises here, supplies a kit to make it easy.

What happens to the switches will be either the contact has got a layer of oxide due to overheating, or the contacts have got hot enough to cause their supporting plastic to soften so that they no longer have sufficient pressure on the contacts to break the thin layer of oxide always present on copper.

John

[gconran]

So...

Pulled apart the steering column and dismantled the switch... completely gone! The contact for the full headlights had melted and receded into the switch body!

Rovacraft wanted $155 for a new one... Not a chance! So we Macgyvered it with some solder to fix the contact until I can order one from the UK for hmmm.... 12 pounds... which at todays exchange rate is about $20 + shipping of $10.... BARGAIN!

It just amazes me that people would actually pay the price for parts from here!

So from here I think the headlight cabling upgrade is a must or as suggested I might well be buying myself a switch slightly more often! however I am going to put it together myself as I think it can be done to the same spec for less than what people are offering it for!

Thank god the problem didnt lie deeper!

[justinc]

Just be sure the $20 one is actually a Lucas or OE spec one. There are heaps of rubbish switches around for these:(

Make certain relays are fitted, not only will the headlamp switch last, but they'll be brighter too.


Check out Headlight Kit info (http://www.traxide.com.au/HL_info.html), (a sponsor on here aswell), and order a Defender headlamp upgrade kit. Cheap and well made kit, DIY is easy.


JC

[gconran]

Thanks for that advice.

I double checked and the switch is OE so should be all good. I have my driving wire upgrade on order but little bit of a back log so hopefully they should arrive at the same time...

I was out driving last night and my lights failed again... luckily i had a roll of gaffer tape and a pair of snips handy so fudged it back together again to make it work.... what a nightmare... I will be avoiding driving at night as much as possible until I have the full fix!