110 headlights

[scottygc]

driving home at dusk and went to turn on the head lights

2000 110

park lights came on ok then moved it to the head lights and nothing , not even dash lights or parkers

checked fuses and all ok

do you think it is the switch or a other problem

any way of checking?

thanks in advance

scotty

[JDNSW]

Almost certainly the switch, or possibly the multifunction switch. If it is the switch, then flashing high beam should work.

Unlike most modern vehicles, the 110/Defender does not have a headlight relay, so the entire lighting current travels through the switch (and the multifunction switch). The contacts will carry this current, but not with much margin. Any use of above standard wattage bulbs will result in early switch failure, and expect it to fail eventually, even if standard wattage bulbs are used - they are not very good switches.

Depending on the level of damage to the switch, it may be repairable if damage is limited to burnt contact - simply clean them. But often the contact has heated up, and melted the plastic support, and in this case repair is unlikely to be possible.

An upgrade to fit headlight relays is recommended. This can be done by buying parts off the shelf, or one of the advertisers here (Traxide) sells easily fitted kits.

A search on this site will find a number of threads on the subject.

Hope this helps,

John

[easo]

An upgrade to fit headlight relays is recommended. This can be done by buying parts off the shelf, or one of the advertisers here (Traxide) sells easily fitted kits.

I went through 3 head light switches before the Traxide upgrade. Still going strong. Its easy to check, just remove the steering coloum covering and check it. There is only 5 X-head screws and the switch is just a small nut.

Easo

[scottygc]

Ok I pulled it apart
Loos like the thing that the switch goes to is stuffed

Or is this what it looks like?

the headlight one is the one closest on the right

would there be anywere gold coast that would stock these?

ricks?

or ebay for $70 posted

thanks agian
scotty

[CraigE]

Common problem, happened to mine. The contacts have melted back into the housing. You will need a new switch. They do not have relay's so the switch gets rather hot. You will need to put in a relay. The best way to do so, as I have done is to get one of Drivesafes (traxide web site) upgrade kits. Mine has been fine since.
The biggest issue is the switches themselves can be quite pricey.
There are a few threads on it if you search the site.

[scottygc]

thanks craig

now that we have found the cause ill move on to the repair

so best place to get the switch will need this asap

and also the upgrade? straight off the website?

have done a search and read the threads regarding this
some a older now so any new info would be good


so i need a upgrade for the driving lights
thanks

[justinc]

Scotty, I will also recommend a Traxide upgrade, have done plenty of Defenders and it IS a common problem.

Even with standard 60/55W globes the difference in brightness is very noticeable. Something like up to 2.5 to 3 volts MORE available at the lamps.

JC

[LowRanger]

My switch failed,so I fitted a relay and wired up an old push type dipper switch on the floor.

Wayne

[gconran]

I had exactly the same problem as this about 6 months ago.

Bought a new switch from the UK (Much cheaper) and then purchased the lighting upgrade directly from Traxide on here.

Absoultely no issues since and the headlights are that much brighter that people sometimes flash me as if to let me know I have my full beams on when I infact only have dipped beams on.

A very worthwile upgrade if you ask me and will save you a fortune on switches!!

[VladTepes]

Sounds like you need to adjust the angle of your lights gconran !