Parkers work, H/Beam works, but no L/Beam? (SOLVED

[technophile]

Hey guys,

I have been having an issue with my headlights where the parkers work and so do hi beams, but not low beams. I have tried replacing the light switch on the steering when but it still doesnt work.

One thing that is weird is that when i start the car low beam doesn't work, so i drive with hi beams on, but when i get to where i want to be and check them again, they seem to work :eek:

Any ideas?

[steveG]

Its usually not the actual light switch on the column - its the indicator switch which has the hi/lo function.
Which one did you replace?

Steve

[technophile]

Its usually not the actual light switch on the column - its the indicator switch which has the hi/lo function.
Which one did you replace?

Steve

Ah, i see. I replaced the lowest one on the left, not the indicator/horn/lights. I have a spare of the indicator stalk too, so i will try that. If it works i will have to add in a relay so it doesn't happen again.

To replace the indicator stalk i assume i will have to remove the steering wheel, Does anybody know what size the two bolts are, where i attach the steering wheel puller?

[steveG]

Not sure whether they are different on other wheels, but think the ones on my County might be 3/16" as I know I've used some old imperial bolts for a puller.

You might get lucky with just a whack on the underside of the wheel with the palms of your hands.
Just loosen the nut off rather than remove it though, otherwise if it comes off you'll cop a face full of steering wheel.

Steve

[mudder110]

hi I had exactly the same thing on my 98 110, turned out to be a hair line crack in a fuse. new fuse fixed it, also replaced the light switch with a old school pull out one, as they don't brake any auto elec will have one cheers

[technophile]

hi I had exactly the same thing on my 98 110, turned out to be a hair line crack in a fuse. new fuse fixed it, also replaced the light switch with a old school pull out one, as they don't brake any auto elec will have one cheers

Which fuse?

I think my 06 Defender may be different, as i believe i have a separate fuse for each light, and since both lo beam are not working it must be something else.

I have replaced the lower light switch, they relay and checked the fuses, i will replace the stalk next.

[mudder110]

Which fuse?

I think my 06 Defender may be different, as i believe i have a separate fuse for each light, and since both lo beam are not working it must be something else.

I have replaced the lower light switch, they relay and checked the fuses, i will replace the stalk next.


mine was the blade fuse in the fuse box under the dash good luck.

[technophile]

I replaced the indicator stalk and all is working as it should.

Thanks for your help guys.

[steveG]

I replaced the indicator stalk and all is working as it should.

Thanks for your help guys.

Good stuff, and thanks for posting the solution.
The wiring upgrade kits from Traxide (http://www.traxide.com.au/headlight-wiring-kits/def-hwuk-headlight-wiring.html)are a good solution if you want to add relays without either a) doing it all from scratch yourself, and b) hacking the standard wiring. Also easy to remove and transfer to your next Defender :)
Not the cheapest option, but IMO good value when you consider the amount of stuffing around getting the correct gauge wire and headlight plugs, relays etc.
If you order one make sure you mention you're an Aulro member ;)

Steve

[technophile]

Good stuff, and thanks for posting the solution.
The wiring upgrade kits from Traxide (http://www.traxide.com.au/headlight-wiring-kits/def-hwuk-headlight-wiring.html)are a good solution if you want to add relays without either a) doing it all from scratch yourself, and b) hacking the standard wiring. Also easy to remove and transfer to your next Defender :)
Not the cheapest option, but IMO good value when you consider the amount of stuffing around getting the correct gauge wire and headlight plugs, relays etc.
If you order one make sure you mention you're an Aulro member ;)

Steve

My plans exactly Steve

[HardCharger]

Hi All!

Am experiencing this now! Looks like I have to pull the fuses again as I didn't look hard enough on the first go to see if there was a hairline crack or not.

I was told it might be some corrosion build up in the headlight switch but from reading the posts above, I guess I should attack the signal stalk next before tackling the headlight switch?

As for the Traxide, I really am considering their kit now, but which kit would you guys recommend, the kit for just the headlights or the kit for headlights AND park lights?

Thanks!

Hope I get to resolve this soon. For now I'll live with flicking the brights on for a moment to get the headlights working. Keep y'all posted on what I find.

[steveG]

Hi All!

Am experiencing this now! Looks like I have to pull the fuses again as I didn't look hard enough on the first go to see if there was a hairline crack or not.

I was told it might be some corrosion build up in the headlight switch but from reading the posts above, I guess I should attack the signal stalk next before tackling the headlight switch?

As for the Traxide, I really am considering their kit now, but which kit would you guys recommend, the kit for just the headlights or the kit for headlights AND park lights?

Thanks!

Hope I get to resolve this soon. For now I'll live with flicking the brights on for a moment to get the headlights working. Keep y'all posted on what I find.

Traxide's second kit is for headlights + driving lights (eg spotlights), and not for park lights. If you're not planning on fitting driving lights just get the headlight kit.

Steve

[HardCharger]

Thanks for the clarification steveG.

Re-reading the thread, I'm starting to think that it may be my signal stalk that's wonky rather than the headlight switch. It's kinda wobbly and if you indicate a right turn, it cancels immediately after you turn the wheel rather than in a few turns as normal unless you hold it on for a turn or two.

I started asking around and was offered a Lucas part rather than a LR original part. I reckon these are OK too as the "generic" part?

So based on this observation, do you y'all think I'm on the right track?

[hans]

Could be that the ring that holds the switch to the steering column is broken

[HardCharger]

Hi Hans,

I'm not sure on that as I haven't taken it apart yet. I suspect as other I have consulted have that the previous owner might have already tweaked the switch before. In any case, I'm not comfortable fiddling around with it until I have a spare in hand.

[steveG]

Thanks for the clarification steveG.

Re-reading the thread, I'm starting to think that it may be my signal stalk that's wonky rather than the headlight switch. It's kinda wobbly and if you indicate a right turn, it cancels immediately after you turn the wheel rather than in a few turns as normal unless you hold it on for a turn or two.

I started asking around and was offered a Lucas part rather than a LR original part. I reckon these are OK too as the "generic" part?

So based on this observation, do you y'all think I'm on the right track?

Lucas one should be fine (Lucas might even be the OEM for the part), just don't bother with one in a blue box.

The crappy plastic clamp on the indicator switch usually breaks, so don't speed that up by tightening it too much. Just tighten enough to stop the switch assy turning on the steering column - no more.
Self cancelling issue could also be a simple issue of the steering wheel and collar that does the self cancelling not all being nicely in the straight ahead position.

Steve

[HardCharger]

Thanks for the tips, Steve! Will definitely take note of these when installing.

I'll update you guys once it's done.

[.bp.]

Hi

I have a 2012 110 and my front left lo beam does the same thing, but i can go to the light and tap it and it will come on.

Any ideas what this maybe because im fairly sure it wouldnt be the switch if tapping the headlight turns it on

Cheers

[JDNSW]

Hi

I have a 2012 110 and my front left lo beam does the same thing, but i can go to the light and tap it and it will come on.

Any ideas what this maybe because im fairly sure it wouldnt be the switch if tapping the headlight turns it on

Cheers

No, probably the socket that connects to the bulb.

John

[HardCharger]

Another one for you, steveG.

I was looking through UK parts suppliers as the local parts guys are asking crazy prices, I was quoted one that was a bit on the low side and was told it was of Bearmach make. The Lucas was just slightly higher. Didn't bother asking for LR original as you guys mentioned that Lucas was pretty much LR without the blue box anyways.

So the question is, is Bearmach worth considering or should I just stick with Lucas? My gut says stick with Lucas but my inquisitive nature still wants to know.

Thanks and hope to hear from you again soon so I can confirm my order and fix my troubles.

[steveG]

Another one for you, steveG.

I was looking through UK parts suppliers as the local parts guys are asking crazy prices, I was quoted one that was a bit on the low side and was told it was of Bearmach make. The Lucas was just slightly higher. Didn't bother asking for LR original as you guys mentioned that Lucas was pretty much LR without the blue box anyways.

So the question is, is Bearmach worth considering or should I just stick with Lucas? My gut says stick with Lucas but my inquisitive nature still wants to know.

Thanks and hope to hear from you again soon so I can confirm my order and fix my troubles.

I've bought a few Bearmach parts and never had an issue.
Lucas and Bearmach at the same price - I'd choose Lucas.
If Bearmach was less than 2/3 the Lucas price - I'd chose Bearmach.
If Britpart was 1/10 the price of anything else I'd consider it for a short term fix.

Steve