Thread: lights out

Have you looked at the switches? The wiring just plugs in - maybe one of the wires has come loose. I'd try removing and replacing the wires to see if that improves things - freshen the metalic contact.

Steve

I would have to take the covers off the steering colum to get to that plug yeh or is it down under the dash somewhere thanx for your reply i,ll have to have a better look in daylight ..
I tell ya it couldn,t have happened a worse time I,ve got not one but bloody 2 cows calving and its bloody cold on the quad bike......... oh the joys of calving

Originally Posted by dman

I would have to take the covers off the steering colum to get to that plug yeh or is it down under the dash somewhere thanx for your reply i,ll have to have a better look in daylight ..
I tell ya it couldn,t have happened a worse time I,ve got not one but bloody 2 cows calving and its bloody cold on the quad bike......... oh the joys of calving

Yeah, need to take the steering column apart. It's a bit fiddly without removing the steering wheel but can be done - need to undo the nuts for the instrument panel to allow a little more movement.

Hope your livestock (and you) do ok.

Steve

The problem is probably burnt contacts on either the switch or the dip switch, most likely the main switch since you have neither high nor low but do have it when using the flash function which does not go through the main switch. These contacts can be cleaned quite easily. There is probably no headlight relay - there is not on 110/early Defenders, although I don't know about newer ones. The problem is made worse if the vehicle has or has had above standard wattage lights. It is worth fitting a relay if there is not one.
Hope this helps,
John

Quick note, though I'm not entirely sure if it's relevant: The easiest way to clean fiddly contacts, is to steal your missus' emery file. But you've gotta be a little careful, sometimes the contacts will lose their spring tension due to overheating.

The easiest way to clean fiddly contacts, is to steal your missus' emery file.

.................but remember, it will be a few months before you can drive your truck again, as the lack of goolies will make it a tad uncomfortable.

My guess is the main switch (one that does the parkers/main beam) has melted the plastic holding the contacts.
Apparently a common issue, and I've done it twice (on the same switch),
- second time I chopped wires off and soldered all together to get home.
Should be only 4 (or 6) screws to drop underside of steering wheel cover off, and a locknut holding the switch in.
This was with standard wattage lights.
First time they failed we were driving on speed limit, in roo country, at pitch black night, then suddenly no lights!!! DOH!!!

Originally Posted by 4bee

.................but remember, it will be a few months before you can drive your truck again, as the lack of goolies will make it a tad uncomfortable.

But the good lady might use his screwdrivers as chisels...call it revenge.