Passenger side front lights dimmer than right?

[GreenLove]

My 110, 200Tdi, 1992 has a new problem.

I noticed tonight that the passenger side headlight, and what I presume to be spot light above it, are both shining dimmer than the drivers side lights.

In my very limited electrical knowledge (just ordered a multimeter) I'm guessing this is an earthing issue.

Can anyone weigh in on this, in particular, how I would trace the (potential) earthing fault? I imagine the earth is somewhere behind the lights under the bonnet.

Thanks

 

[Station House]

If it's only just become dimmer, would suggest firstly cleaning up the connector behind the light and sorting with silicon spray or wd40.

If that doesn't solve, remove headlamp and check inner wing earth.

If it's always been like it, might be worth a bulb swap first

 

[GreenLove]

If it's only just become dimmer, would suggest firstly cleaning up the connector behind the light and sorting with silicon spray or wd40.

If that doesn't solve, remove headlamp and check inner wing earth.

If it's always been like it, might be worth a bulb swap first

Only just bought the vehicle, so probably been like it for a while.

Both the headlamp and the sidelight are equally dim.

Will the earths be coming somewhere from the bulb connection wiring?

 

[Station House]

Yep - Black wire

 

[bobbler]

Found it easier to do mine by removing wheel arch. Wiring runs along the top of the inner wing but connectors have a tendency to corrode and can easily be replaced with small red bullet connectors.

There is also an earth connection in there, above the wheel towards the headlight there is a 10mm nut holding the earth connection and may well be an idea to check condition of this too.

Ended up buying the reuseable clips from halfrauds to hold the wheel arch back on as once one starts to corrode the rest may follow.

 

[discomania]

You want to get rid of all the bullet connections, and fit waterproof connectors (soldered terminals) get the loom out of the stupid location it is in, re-loom it if need be and clean up the earth connection.

Solder all joints too.

 

[GreenLove]

You want to get rid of all the bullet connections, and fit waterproof connectors (soldered terminals) get the loom out of the stupid location it is in, re-loom it if need be and clean up the earth connection.

Solder all joints too.

Thanks for the advice and the useful pic, but due to cost I'm going to hold off on the waterproof terminals for now.

So, will try cleaning the earth connections instead. I have a brass bristle brush and was thinking of gently scrubbing off any corrosion on the wing earth connectors, spraying on a little WD40 (not sure about this), then refitting and performing a resistance test using a multimeter. Does this sound ok as a (potential) temporary fix?