Help with basics please

First of all my apologies if this is the wrong section, secondly yes I have used the search to help find relevant answers first but still stuck.

So for several days I've has no headlights. Got side lights but no main/high beam. However I can flash my lights!

After searching the forum I found several theads of similar and same problems a few of which pointed to either light switch or indicator stalk swith. So before I start spending money I haven't got on parts I done need can some explain how I test the switches, colours of wires ect. I do have a multi meter n a basic knowledge of its functions.

Also where can I find a wiring diagram online relevant to my car?

I've done some basics, here's what I know. Bulbs are good, fuses are good, got power to relay behind instruments no power to fuses though, also there's what I think is a dim/dip relay behind the clocks too but I don't know how to test it?!

My car is a 1989 2.5 td (19j)

Thanks for reading and any help/advice you may offer ��

Had a similar problem recently; flasher i s on a separate circuit, and horn should be jumped off that also. The problem here is that your side lights work, so the main switch is evidently getting power somehow...

Google is a great tool to search for defender docs, but what you see here, isn't necessarily what you've got there because every landy has been owned by a pro electrician who has "enhanced" it.

Wiring-diagrams

Unlikely there's an issue with the relay, they're pretty much bombproof.

1. Check if it's a dodgy shwitch / connector is loose / corroded:
Removing steering nacelle, unplug main light switch connector and check power on each of the spade terminals, you should read 12vdc on at least one of them. See if you can jump the 12v onto the third position of the rocker switch. If main lights work you've got a bum switch.

2. Check bonnet fuses, most likely issue if there's no power at fuses.

3. If bonnet fuses are ok, check interior light and clock work, if they don't could be a header joint issue -dash dismantling time.

4. At any point in time have you disconnected the dimmed dip resistor under the FR wing?

Alm.

Thanks for that I'll have another look at the switch now I have a better idea what I'm doing. My fuses are the glass type and all are ok, the interior light is on a separate switch (previous pro electrian owner) and never had a clock. Never had any previous wiring/electrical issues so nothing disturbed by me.

With regards to power supply what path does it take? By that I mean battery, switch, relay, fuse, lightbulb?!?!....

Anyone know

Thanks again

For the main light switch in my 300tdi (is yours 200tdi or 2.5td?) it's in this sort of sequence:

Battery -> bonnet fuse box -> blue k109 header joint -> cab fuse box -> dim dip relay -> main light switch.

It then goes back to fuse box for lights, and the return for the dash light (saying lights are on).

Power to the main light switch is the fat brown wire.

Alm.

Thanks again, about to go have another go at it

Found it. Broken/melted contact on the indicator stalk. Bridged it and got headlights back so definitely that. Just been to pick up a new one so that'll be going on in a bit.

Thanks for all the help ��