Thread: Headlight Dramas - DIM/DIP

G'day All,

I've been searching the threads and other websites regarding the common problem associated with the headlights, that is:

Being able to pull back on the "direction indicator' lever which engages high beam but the low beam and the high beam won't engage through the main light switch or when the "direction indicator" lever is forward.

Its the common DIM/DIP problem I know, I tried looking for the infamous pink relay that everyone talks about (British) behind the dash and found nothing.... I'm reluctant about pulling the center console out, even though i guess there is a possibility it has been moved after all it does have both an aftermarket cruise control and immobilizer sitting to the right hand side above the speaker. I also hear mention of a 1 Ohm resistor?

Its a 1998 TD 2.5l Defender; i've glimpsed at circuit diagrams for the 1999 version but it appears to be different, someone must have cracked this piece of ****, you knowledge and expertise would be very helpful.......


Cheers

Callum

Originally Posted by Dervish

The Dim/Dip relay never appeared in Australian Defenders. Instead we got a little pink relay shaped box that just connects power to output. You'll find it behind the drivers side speaker.

Your problem is with the supply side to the indicator switch; which is usually the headlamp switch as everyone has said. Unfortunately not in your case. There aren't really any obvious weaknesses in the circuit other than the headlight switch, but take the steering column off and use a multimeter to check for voltage on the brass contact on the back on the multifunction (indicator) switch. The one that moves when you push the stalk away from you. Let me know what you find.

Thanks mate turns out this is part of the problem and still is until my parts arrive from the motherland.

I ended up taking it to a local electrician after I couldn't crack it, he figured out the spotties that are installed had originally burnt out the relay that was connected to the the main headlights, so someone quickly bypassed and ended up hooking them up in series which put too much strain on the circuit and burnt the headlight switch, which in my case in not really the headlight switch as much as its the multifunction/indicator high beam as you say, so I replaced the headlight switch (which was not actually the problem) and i'm currently awaiting a indicator stalk from the UK! And to add some insult to injury the water for the wipers stopped working; not the pump or fuse or anything but a little tiny wire that goes through the right hand stalk into the little button at the top - again now awaiting that too.

One step forward and two back.