no lights

[spudfan]

Defender 200 tdi. Driving home tonight headlights, sidelights and dashlights went out. First time it happened I held the lights on lever -left side of steering column- tight down and lights worked. Then everything went black. Finished the journey by hazzard flashing lights.All are on seperate fuses. Would it be as simple as a burned out switch? Any ideas?

[Scouse]

Sounds like the headlight switch has failed but you usually have side lights left unless the whole thing has just fallen apart inside.

Do you have headlight relays? If not, now's a good time to fit them too.

[spudfan]

Thank you. Why the relays?

[austastar]

Takes the filament load off the expensive switch.
The switch only triggers the relays, the relays do all the hard work.
cheers

[spudfan]

Seems to be the way to go. Thanks

[austastar]

Hi again,
with the relays, you can use a heavy gauge wire (don't forget the fuse) direct from the battery so you put the full voltage to the lamp without loss from lots of circuitry going up to the switches.
cheers

[JDNSW]

As above. Probably the switch, but may be the beam change/blinker/horn switch. It is possible, but unlikely that the switch can be repaired if it it just burnt contacts, but either in this case or with a new switch, fit headlight relays to take the load off the switch.

Drivesafe sells a kit or if you know what you are doing you can get all the bits needed from any auto supplies place.

John

[spudfan]

Have removed the lights on/off swith. Will be picking up a new one on Tuesday so I will plug it in, in the dealers yard to make sure that is where the fault lies. Once I get the lights back in action I can hopefully get the relay thing done shortly afterwards. Thank you all for taking time to respond.

[dmdigital]

As mentioned and I'll also add that if you have higher wattage bulbs than standard then fitting relays becomes essential as the increased current draw will definitely shorten the switch life.