Headlights not happening

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Trailstar

Well-Known Member
Posts
554
small problem here, my passenger side - im in nz so we drive on the left, so left side, headlight is only working on normal beam(dont know the proper way to say this...)
the photos below will probably explain it better that anything
so if anyone know the cause of my problem id be grateful, ive check all the wiring and earths etc, and the switch, but no change...

thanks....

1st is normal
2nd is dip
3rd is flash
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ok thanks, so the fact that it doesnt go on dip and flash means its the bulb?? - sorry for my total ignorance, but i was thinking that it wouldnt go at all if the bulb didnt work....? Thanks...
 
There are two lighting elements in the bulb,or more likely sealed beam unit on a series [the whole head lamp is the bulb] if either blows then the bulb or unit has to be changed.
 
As tottot says you may have a sealed beam unit and the dip bulb has gone. I think what you refer to as normal we'd call full beam and dip is normal. The standard original light fitting is sealed beam unit made by Lucas . They are fiddly to mount as they have a metal mounting ring and metal bulb holder both of which tend to rot. The alternative is a halogen conversion. They're quite cheap and easy to fit (Indian aftermarket). With the conversion all you need to do is replace the halogen light fitting which is a combined dip and full beam. In the UK the halogen bulb is code 472. You can order the conversion from Craddock's. Check their website. There may be a NZ supplier. Cheers.
 
ok, ive looked around and come up with three options...

http://www.paddockspares.com/pm1039...sion-kit-rhd-with-ring-ultra-xenon-bulbs.html
http://www.johncraddockltd.co.uk/se...onversion-kit-to-rhd-7-inch-roundhalogen.html
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LAND-ROVER-...017160?hash=item3cf49dc188:g:NSgAAOSwBahU-LO6

what option do you recommend, and is it just as simple as connecting up the wires and screwing it back together - what is the halogen light fitting you talk about John S that needs replacing?? - and the other thing that is confusing me is the LHD/RHD sets of headlights, can someone explain to me what the meaning behind this is??!

thanks!
 
Fitting is just a case of a few screws and a plug for the wiring. Bulbs [ halogen more powerful than standard ] or sealed beam units are handed depending which side of the road you drive on in your country. Fit the same as you have if you only want to fix one side.
 
ok i might go with the ebay one then...and get a load of other stuff from there with it......
i wouldnt mind fixing it, but the light is poor anyway, so im thinking a conversion would be better....
and sorry for my ignorance, but if i get a conversion, does it just hook straight up to the original headlight connections? as in no extra adapters etc..??

thanks....
 
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Yes it does. The plug going into your current set up become the plug for the new unit. It fits to the back of the unit with a rubber grommet. The actual bulb itself fits onto plug. So when it needs changing you just unscrew the front and the unit comes free to get access to the rear to swap out with a new bulb.
 
Headlights are directional - they illuminate upwards on the passenger side but not the drivers side to avoid dazzling people coming the other way.

If you're in NZ I suspect you could go to any motor factors/garage/scrappers and try asking for a Lucas 7" sealed beam. Many British cars of the 70's had them and they are pretty bullet proof. Would save posting something around the world. I got 5 from a scrappers for the price of a cigarette...

I would check your wiring before splashing out though - so try left hand bulb on the right and check to see if it's not a wiring fault
 
ok i was wondering that.., so its the wrong side for nz, what would be the solution for this??? - is it the actual bulb unit?, or would i have to rewire something.....
yeh i might go and have a look sometime, and if i swap the left hand bulb for the right hand will the side that flashes/illuminates swap as well?

sorry for all the questions:(! but thanks everyone for all the help....:D
 
You shouldn't have to rewire. Try swapping to see what happens. Bobsticle is spot on (no pun intended). You must be able to source bulbs/ units in NZ. The halogen conversion kits are actually aftermarket from India .
 
ok, we do have a local guy that deals in old landrovers, but scince hes the only one doing it localy he can charge the earth for parts, i have found things to be cheaper off ebay, but lights will require a bit more postage so ill try him first!! will try and sort out my headlights problem on saturday!!!
also just another quick question, the brake light switch for a series 3 in the engine bay, does it have to have the small bit sticking out between the conections? - i just noticed some of them on ebay dont have it.... does it matter? - my one is totaly rusted up so need a new one...
 
Yes I think you are referring to the switch. Is it on top of the servo cylinder? If it's just on top of the master cylinder then you have a system without the servo. Either way that's the switch. They cost diddly.
 
ok thanks, will get one sometime...
i have attached some photos of the headlights....one looks original - this is the LH passenger side one that wasn't working properly...the other one i'm presuming is off a mazda as it says "fit mazda again" on the back... i have never actually noticed anything different between the two bulbs unitl today, even with the pattern on the front being different!!
and when i switch sides the problem switches to the other side, so it is obviously the bulb unit.
im thinking that the best option would be to do a conversion.....
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put some lucas h4's in and problem sovled....
second hand lights off an old 2a, but still go fine...!the difference compared to the old ones is crazy!! i cant take phots of it with the lights on now!!
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Mazda (a different one to the car makers) was a trade mark of GE and made light bulbs and electronic valves so I think that's the "Mazda" referred to on your lamp unit. If you're fitting halogen replacements wire them via relays - there's articles on using relays on this site. To properly diagnose the problem you'll need a test meter or continuity meter to check the bulb and/or wiring.
 
Mazda (a different one to the car makers) was a trade mark of GE and made light bulbs and electronic valves so I think that's the "Mazda" referred to on your lamp unit. If you're fitting halogen replacements wire them via relays - there's articles on using relays on this site. To properly diagnose the problem you'll need a test meter or continuity meter to check the bulb and/or wiring.
use relays when using halogen replacements
 
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