Defender Electric Problem

[Richard P]

Hi,
Have just aquired a 1985 SWB Defender which has an Electrical problem which has me baffled,
When Lights are dipped or full beam indicator light on dash glows and indicators work slowly or not at all, have checked bulbs and fuses and are ok.
I'm drawn towards earth fault but as this is my first Landrover i have no idea where earth points are.
would appriciate any suggestions as its got me stumped.
Cheers Richard

 

[steve2286w]

if the wirings same as series 3 then black is the earths, might be worth starting from lights and cleaning all connectors live and earth until you see the problem,

 

[GRUNT]

Earths are black. I'd check all the wiring inside the wings and the stuff behind the boxy things behind the back lights The Mad Mod Man posted a link to wiring colours on here somewhere which will be useful.

 

[boydy1989]

Try taking out the fuses for the headlights, main and dip. If with both of these fuses removed, but the switch in the on position, the indicator light doesn't glow, then it is probably a poor earth in the front wings, which are easily accessible with a socket set and and extension. The indicator relays in these cars are the electronic type, I believe the series had a simple relay. This sort of issue does suggest a poor earth, and it is, as was said, almost certainly at the headlight end. As far as I know, the earths bolt to the wings, just behind each light. As i found out in my old 110, they fail there fairly often. In fact, when I went over a bump through some woods at 20 to midnight. That was fun. gotta love landys.

If you need a wiring diagram I can scan you a copy of mine too, just let me know.

Boydy

 

[Richard P]

Cheers all,
Great advise, will be back with more questions when problems occur, very pleased i've found this site.
Richard

 

[Sean]

Hi,
Have just aquired a 1985 SWB Defender

psssssst ..........that'll be a 90 - the defender name wasnt introduced untill late 89/90

 

[Richard P]

psssssst ..........that'll be a 90 - the defender name wasnt introduced untill late 89/90

Sorry Sean,
Just went by decal on side of vechile, it must have been added by previous owner.
Richard