Relay or Switch? Bet now......

So the side lights work, the headlights don't but only on dipped. Main beam works on the "flash" but not the normal main beam switch position. The normal position contacts don't meet and it looks a little melted?

Multi tester results.
12V in and out of the headlamp relay.
12V in and out of the head lamp switch for both positions.
12V in the ignition live lead to the dim dip relay
12V in the headlamp lead to dim dip relay
0V out of the headlamp lead from the dim dip

So its the relay right? Or is it the dim dip switch?

Rip it out as dim dip causes more hassle than it is worth

and just let the switch do the work or fit another relay for the main beam?

as posted before,
my daughter (and me till i fix it)
use a matchbox jammed in behind the flash switch.

it works a treat,
til i get to fix it...

untill then i`ll keep reading threads like yours broadhelm,
looking for "clues"..

let us know what you done in the end eh/...

Its these times its always handy to a spare relay lol. Take a Ohm reading across the switch and see what you get, Then pull your relay and using jumper wires ( NOT JUMP CABLES ) Test your relay that should help solve it

hang on, maybe I've not been clear with the fault. The side lights work but no dipped headlights at all no matter what switch position I select. the main beams (and the dipped bulb) come on if I pull the flasher stalk back. Nothing if I push the full beam stalk forward. Even if I yank the dim dip relay I get dick.....

Still puzzled......but if it was easy it would be boring

i had similar on 200 disco.... dim dip worked as did sides and flashed main beam .... but no dip or main beam from switching the headlight switch on. replacement switch assembly cured it......

ricc said:

i had similar on 200 disco.... dim dip worked as did sides and flashed main beam .... but no dip or main beam from switching the headlight switch on. replacement switch assembly cured it......

Click to expand...

I agree with him^^^^ had the same problem on my RRC and my 200tdi Disco, was the switch assembly both times.

Does sound like your Switch now you have explained it better, Pull your stalk out and have a fettle

broadhelm said:

So the side lights work, the headlights don't but only on dipped. Main beam works on the "flash" but not the normal main beam switch position. The normal position contacts don't meet and it looks a little melted?

Multi tester results.
12V in and out of the headlamp relay.
12V in and out of the head lamp switch for both positions.
12V in the ignition live lead to the dim dip relay
12V in the headlamp lead to dim dip relay
0V out of the headlamp lead from the dim dip

So its the relay right? Or is it the dim dip switch?

Click to expand...

could this be a clue?

what vehicle are we talking about anyway?
was assuming 300 disco, but the stalk dont go forward for main beam.

what vehicle is it?

If it's an early defender have you tried unplugging the dim dip relay?

that's an nice stuff it would help me a lot thanks for the stuff.

Its a 94 M defender 300TDI and I've order both the relay and the switch. I'll change the relay and test again then do the switch any way cos I bent the bugger a bit with some percussive maintenance last night. I'll post again with the result.

The new relay arrived yesterday, I swapped em over and the fault is still there. The switch is in the post and is looking like the cause. If its not the switch I'm thinking there must be a short or a break somewhere and that will be a ball ache to find....please be the switch, please be the switch, please be the switch.

broadhelm said:

The new relay arrived yesterday, I swapped em over and the fault is still there. The switch is in the post and is looking like the cause. If its not the switch I'm thinking there must be a short or a break somewhere and that will be a ball ache to find....please be the switch, please be the switch, please be the switch.

Click to expand...

Did you check to see if yours had a dim/dip relay? If it did did you try unplugging it?

and the winner is.....the switch. Once it was of it was easy to see where the contacts had melted and insulated themselves. Changing the switch was easy, steering column plastics off, steering wheel off, unfasten other switches from the mounting plate (no need to disconnect them) unplug connectors from knackered switch, and swap the switch. then repeat in reverse and we're back with headlights again. Hurrah!