Headlight relay switching wire puzzle....

[rrturboD]

Under the fuses (centre lower dash) are 3 relays, the middle (yellow) one seems to be for the headlights.
The power is supplied from the headlight switch on the steering column. There is a WHITE wire that needs to be powered to make the relay switch.
I cant find what makes this white wire active.

Background: Defender 110, 200Tdi.
One day last week, the headlights failed to come on, had to drive home holding the headlight flasher on all the way. Checked fuses etc , all OK, replaced column light switch as previously it was possible to 'wiggle' it and make lights come and go....
Cant get the relay to switch (tested ok) so have made up a patch lead between the two relay sockets (pin 31 (goes active when headlights selected on column light switch and 87 (to dip switch) I think) which basically bypasses the relay.

Where does the white headlight relay wire come from?

[justinc]

hi michael, there is no headlamp relay from factory. there is a power supply relay for when the key is switched on to provide power to the headlamp circuits, but that is it. the headlamp switch failed because the system has no relays.:mad::mad: even the new puma has none!!!


Def-HWUK Headlight Wiring Upgrade Kit | TRAXIDE - RV | Traxide - RV (http://www.traxide.com.au/headlight-wiring-kits/def-hwuk-headlight-wiring.html)


^^^ this is the only solution.


jc

[rrturboD]

Justin, I agree about the headlight upgrade.
In this case it all looks original

the relay does nothing to reduce the load at the switches, as the power to the headlight switch, delivers power to this relay, which in turn, delivers power to the dip switch, which supplies high and low beams, with full load.

the manuals mention something about 'headlamp over ride' but this is as close as I can get.
Re three relays...
- left most one (passenger side) is starter (yellow)
- middle to do with the headlight (yellow)
- right (drivers) is one with 87 and 87a, where one is active, and switched to the other ... I think it is to do with park brake warning light
I'll try and get a photo to help ...

[rrturboD]

two pics attached, Before is without our mod, and after shows the relay removed, and mod inserted.

[rrturboD]

Re:
Def-HWUK Headlight Wiring Upgrade Kit | TRAXIDE - RV | Traxide - RV (http://www.traxide.com.au/headlight-wiring-kits/def-hwuk-headlight-wiring.html)

Without the elusive white wire doing its thing, this kit will not work!

[flagg]

Do you have a white wire on your ignition barrel? Should do. I can't remember exactly what ignition position has it live but it was a funny one - like earth when engine is off and +12V when it is running. Or something. Would make sense to turn the headlights off when you switched the engine off.

[rrturboD]

flagg, thanks for the thought, but the headlights could be left on, with or without ignition.

[2stroke]

Headlights on my 130 turn back to parkers only when the ignition is off, by the relay shown in the pic.

[flagg]

flagg, thanks for the thought, but the headlights could be left on, with or without ignition.

Don't think it is the position of the ignition switch, but wether the engine is running or not. But if yours is different then it is kind of moot. :)

[Judo]

I can't be sure mines "original" either but I can turn on my headlights with engine and ignition off.

'86 County.

Seems like I just confused things further. :D

There certainly are relays that trigger when you turn the ignition on, however I didn't think they were anything to do with headlights.

[Judo]

P.S. JC's answer appears correct for a 200Tdi.

[schuy1]

My 300TDi '96 is original, all I have done is add in New Era headlamp relays (the 30amp fused 1s)for Hi and low beam and they feed directly off the headlight wiring at the headlights for switching purposes. The headlights always have and still do switch off with the ignition key when the motor is turned off. I have done no mods to the relays in the fuse box or else where to get it to work .
Cheers Scott

[justinc]

P.S. JC's answer appears correct for a 200Tdi.

actually, all defenders.....:angel:


jc

[Judo]

actually, all defenders.....:angel:

jc

Ahh, but not County's?

[rrturboD]

Great discussion, confirming that the relays are normal.
Anyone got a clean (probably scanned) wiring diagram, that will help me trace the 'white' wire? ... need a complete one that includes the three relays, as all I have been able to find do not seem to include the relays and associated wiring.
Maybe someone would remove the center relay and tell me what they need to do to make the switch wire go active....

[flagg]

Anyone got a clean (probably scanned) wiring diagram, that will help me trace the 'white' wire? ...

What year and engine?

[Dopey]

Quote:
Originally Posted by rrturboD
Anyone got a clean (probably scanned) wiring diagram, that will help me trace the 'white' wire? ...


Have a look at this website for links to various workshop manuals and wiring diagrams for various models, I have found it to be very useful.
Regards,
Mike.

CommsBlog » The Land Rover Page (http://www.internet-tools.co.uk/blog/index.php/land-rover-hints-tips-and-tricks/)

[rrturboD]

Vehicle is
Defender 110, 1992, 200Tdi (no airconditioning)