Thread: Defender TD5 Main Light Switch melted

600kms puts you where?

And yes, i think u may get away with your idea.

Have you changed the bulbs in the headlights ever?

mmm well souunds a bit of a bodge but why don't you plug the wires into the fog light switch and use that for head lights at the moment . After all don't use the fog lights that much.
I mean disconect the fog lights totally and wire the wires into the switch

Thanks for the reply,
No never had a faulty bulb apart from rear gargo area

cheers

Unless they have changed, the Defender does not use a relay in the headlights. For this reason you should never use more than the original wattage bulbs unless you fit relays (which is a good idea anyway).

Four Wheel Drives (Melbourne) list your switch at $220 - but the earlier switch is only $88, and I think (but not sure) the only difference is the leads and plug, suggesting that fitting the older switch with the leads spliced could be the best bet. I am sure if you phoned them they can confirm whether this is the case.

John

Correct John, the early and late switches are the same, just solder on the old plug etc and away you go. The Traxide headlight relay kits/lamp upgrade kits will fix this problem, as a counties, early RR's and defenders all have no headlamp relays.

--and it has nothing to do with bumpy roads!!!!

They will however get DUSTY, and this will create heat in the contacts due to dirt on them and melt them into the plastic housing, creating a break in the circuit.

Relays and good earths are your best friends in landrover electrics.

JC

Paddocks in UK sell them for GBP32.50 (about AU$85) + postage

http://www.paddockspares.com/pp/DEFE..._VA104806.html

I see what you are saying regarding no headlamp relays, thats a lot of current on a switch.

I have a copy of a Land Rover Rave CD and was looking at the circuit diagrams there is a difference between a 2002 English Defender and a 2002 Export Defender

2002 English Export Left Hand Drive
Exterior light circuit the switch goes through a headlamp relay

2002 English Right Hand Drive - No Headlamp relay

So we drive on the left but our vehicles are RHD re position of steering wheel)

cheers

I had this problem on a Series III many years ago after having the clever idea to upgrade the lights to QH. Lights were fantastic for about 3 hours, standard LR, no relay, fried the switch.

Stupid of me not to think of putting in a relay, even more stupid of LR that they still don't use a relay.

Best regards
DarrenR