no headlights

[mudder110]

hi all hope someone can help got no headlights on my 98 110 defender
parkers work, can flash high beam thats it. put a multi meter on the switch it shows power with the switch off but none with switch on allso shows no power at lights with switch on driving me nuts
allso does anyone know where the relays are cause im in the dark

[Blknight.aus]

relays? what relays....

it always comes down to 3 things.

1. fuses
2. bulbs
3. the switch.

[Yorkshire_Jon]

No relays in light circuit.

My money would be on the switch. It's not uncommon for them to die, especially if you've put bigger bulbs in.

Sent using Forum Runner

[easo]

I've had similar and my switch was melted out. Went through another 2 switches before getting an upgraded headlight loom.

Regards Easo

[lambrover]

It's your switch mate as the lights come on when you use the high beam flash but don't when you use the switch, it's a different circuit. It is common for the switch to burn out on the head light contacts, they melt. After you fit a new switch fit relays to the head light circuit so the switch last longer.

[justinc]

dont forget the headlamps require the ignition switch to be on tp be working, too.

JC

[mudder110]

thanks for the info folks switch is fine starting to think it may be harness
as there is no power at the headlight connectors maybe a complete rewire
from lights to switch is this something i can do myself

[bee utey]

thanks for the info folks switch is fine starting to think it may be harness
as there is no power at the headlight connectors maybe a complete rewire
from lights to switch is this something i can do myself

I would test everything before randomly rewiring all the lights. Wiring generally doesn't fail, switches fuses and connectors do. Unless things have changed in Lucasland, the headlights should be blue/red stripe for low beam and blue/white stripe for high beam. Apply 12V from a suitable source to these coloured wires at the headlight switch and see if the lamps come on.

There should be power at the switch because your high beam flash works. Probably a brown wire. Then find the wire that feeds into the dip switch area from the off-park-head switch. See if this has power when you operate the switch at the right time.

A test light, securely earthed at the clip end is better here than a multimeter as you can see it light up while you wiggle switches and wires.

[flagg]

Find where the cct gets its ignition feed and make sure it is seeing it. Id be looking for dodgy connectors.. the wire sometimes disconnects from the back of the bullet ones.

You have to be methodical and work from a point through the cct, otherwise you will just Chase your tail. Do you have a test light etc?

[mudder110]

thanks all will get a test light tomorrow im out at miles in western qld at the moment will follow all advice given poor old thing has seen the wars
from the gulf to the cape just celebrated her 300,000 k birthday
doesent normaly miss a beat will report back after i get a test light
300tdi 110 98 mod full maxi drive conversion incl. front rear axels
2 inch lift wrangler muddies upgraded intercooler stronger prop shafts
plus all the usual sliders bash plates and protectors