Thread: Is it my dipper switch??

Originally Posted by Jimmy

G'day all,

I've got a defender light issue that I was hoping someone could help with.

The vehicle is a 2001 TD5.

Firstly, I have no front lights (low beam, park lights or high beam), however when I pull the dipper on, the high beams will work, but only in the hold on position.

Secondly, I have no brake or reversing lights, but indicators are ok.

I've checked the fuses and relays and they seem ok (though I woulsdnt really know if the relays are busted).

My thoughts are that the headlights are gone because of the dipper switch which has happened before, though I don't know why the rear lights have gone.

I'm useless with electrics so perhaps someone has some easy steps or ideas on how to fix that I could follow.

cheers
Jim

The light switches on the Defenders are a source of problems, normally due to the current throught them when high wattage things like head and main beams are used the bits melt.

One of this sites sponsors - Drivesafe - offeres great light upgrade kits - which eliminates high amp/watts going through the switch - by using heavier wiring and relays

So instead of the switch powering the lights direct - they just switch a low power draw relay that does all the hard work.

However as your switch is already possibly buggered you will possibly have to replace that already - but to eliminate the potential of the switch frying again I would certainly recommend an upgrade kit.

PM Drivesafe direct - or if you see his ad banner (Traxide) on the top of the forum page - just click on that)

Ladas

Yep it's the switch. To start with try wiggling the outer most blue wire in the dip switch with the lights on. If that works then you can tighten it to get more life out of it. My main switch failed 6 months after my dip switch started playing up. Dip switch is still going strong.

As Ladas says.
All the current for the headlights draws thru the switch,STUPIDITY IN THIS MODERN AGE!!!!
Get a new switch and a Drivesafe wiring kit,you will enjoy mutch brighter lights over standard,plus you can "update" to hi power globes.Get the dual headlight/drivinglight kit,pay the $$$ and enjoy.But the dual setup in my D2,real impressed and its a simple DIY job.
If up rated bulbs have been fitted to the standard system the switch will overheat an die much quicker,especially if you do lots of nite driving.
Goodluck
Andrew