Defender head lamps cut out!! Help!!

[michael alden]

I'm totally thrown on this one!

I changed my headlamp globes and drivers side running light assembly on my 93 Defender 200Tdi the other day, and all seemed to function a-ok. Few days later, driving home at night, all still good. Woke up this morning to get to work and no headlights or running lights. Blinkers work fine and all fuses are fine too. I can flash the brights, so power is still getting to them, but nothing else. Took both sides apart again to check connections and all seems good...... again.

Replaced the globes again and same story. The dash indication light won't even come on.

Could this be a problem with the lever on the tree? Or earths? Or...?????

Any help is much appreciated

[Psimpson7]

Its almost bound to be the headlight switch. esp as main beam works. fairly common issue

[JDNSW]

It is either the headlight switch or the multifunction switch.

When you replaced the bulbs, you didn't by any chance fit a higher wattage? If you did this will explain the switch failure, although it is quite capable of failing without this help.

The Defender has no headlight relay, so the full current flows through the switches, and it is only barely up to it; fitting more powerful bulbs will cause early failure. It is recommended to add a headlight relay(s), preferably located near the headlights.

John

[d@rk51d3]

Got the same problem with my RRC. I'm too tight to buy a new wand, so I only drive it during the day. :D:D

[michael alden]

Got the same problem with my RRC. I'm too tight to buy a new wand, so I only drive it during the day. :D:D
I'm having to do the same thing at the moment!! haha

[d@rk51d3]

Makes you feel like a kind of "reverse vampire"............. OMG! look at the time, it's getting dark..........RUN AWAY! RUN AWAY!!!!!!!

[CraigE]

I would say the headlight switch block has melted. Common issue. You will have to replace the switch. There are a couple of options. You can buy in Australia and pay top dollar or you can buy from the UK. I bought one fom the UK. There are two types, the older rubber block type or the later plastic connector type. You will have to have a look and see what yours is. The rubber block type is far cheaper but they are in fact the same switch just with different connectors with the later style being up to 300% dearer. I bought the rubber block style from the UK and cut off the rubber block and attached the plastic connector using new spade bits. Cost me around $50 from the UK. You may have to do a search.
I will PM you shortly with the cheapest price in Australia and the company.
It would be advisable to get a headlight relay upgrade kit and I will PM you the contact details for this as well. I have no affiliation with any of these.