Tj Posted September 19, 2011 Posted September 19, 2011 I'm probably gonna cop a bit of flaming for this... Partly because I'm a dope and partly because I've done it on other cars without issues I swapped over my headlights with H4's running 130/90W globes. And thats it... Like I said, I'm a dope Found out later after my headlight switch started signalling a new pope that the switch gear in Zed's don't like that much current. But here's where it's getting difficult. I ran a test light over the contacts on the headlight switch and they all still had power there were no burnt wires that I could see. I replaced it anyway and still no change. The relay still was getting power and operating normally, I think (is it supposed to only click on when switching to high-beam?) The fuses are ok, as are the brown and black fuseable links under the bonnet (although they do look like they've been bodgied up with silastic by the previous owner) and the headlight plugs are live with the headlight switched on (checked the globes too and they're ok) Having said that though, all three contacts in the plug become live at the same time (tested using a test light earthed to the body) that's the only clue I have that something's amiss. As you may have already deduced, I'm not the cleverest when it comes to electricals so there's every chance that the answer is staring me in the face. I just thought I'd run it by you guys before I give up and go to an auto electrician. Oh and they will be running on a relay, just as soon as they're actually working again Quote
D.O.G Posted September 19, 2011 Posted September 19, 2011 Having said that though, all three contacts in the plug become live at the same time (tested using a test light earthed to the body) that's the only clue I have that something's amiss. That sounds like the earth wire is no longer connected somewhere. Quote
peter t Posted September 19, 2011 Posted September 19, 2011 Gota remember that Datsun's EARTH lighs to make them work, not supply power. I would say you have fried your light/dimmer switch. Happens all the time when upgrading without relays. Quote
Tj Posted September 19, 2011 Author Posted September 19, 2011 Gota remember that Datsun's EARTH lighs to make them work, not supply power. Yeah. Coming from 70's mitsubishi it's kinda hard to make myself remember that Hmmm, so I may have fried the other side of the combo switch arrangement, is that what you mean? Oddly enough, if you hit the "pass" button it still operates the relay, but I guess theres other connections at play here too. I need to get out to see Stewart Wilkins again in the next few days (that's who I got the switch off) I'll ask if he's got one. It's worth adding that I still have parkers, blinkers wipers etc too. Quote
luvemfast Posted September 20, 2011 Posted September 20, 2011 That sort of power should always be put through a relay rather than rely on 30-40 year old wiring. Quote
nizm0zed Posted September 20, 2011 Posted September 20, 2011 you could try this, http://www.mez.co.uk/lucas.html The Datsun wiring is very similar to the early british Lucas wiring, so the repair parts should be compatible, but no garantees. Quote
Riceburner Posted September 21, 2011 Posted September 21, 2011 Lol. Reminds me of a funny quote. "Lucas, the prince of darkness" Quote
Tj Posted September 21, 2011 Author Posted September 21, 2011 Hehe, well you do know that Lucas Electronics are the reason the British drink warm beer Quote
chris240 Posted September 21, 2011 Posted September 21, 2011 oh thats Gold ! would bring a smile to most Austin Healey, MG, Jag owners Quote
peter t Posted September 21, 2011 Posted September 21, 2011 Yeah. Coming from 70's mitsubishi it's kinda hard to make myself remember that Hmmm, so I may have fried the other side of the combo switch arrangement, is that what you mean? Oddly enough, if you hit the "pass" button it still operates the relay, but I guess theres other connections at play here too. I need to get out to see Stewart Wilkins again in the next few days (that's who I got the switch off) I'll ask if he's got one. It's worth adding that I still have parkers, blinkers wipers etc too. Not a auto sparkie but my mate fried his switch after fitting H4 lights. He got around it by fitting an old foot operated dimmer switch. Not sure on the wiring though. I would say that you have done the same as him. Fried the switch. Quote
nizm0zed Posted September 21, 2011 Posted September 21, 2011 follow the link under the picture for more prince of darkness lulz. I grew up with them, dad had a Lotus Elan. Quote
Tj Posted September 21, 2011 Author Posted September 21, 2011 Not a auto sparkie but my mate fried his switch after fitting H4 lights. He got around it by fitting an old foot operated dimmer switch. Not sure on the wiring though. I would say that you have done the same as him. Fried the switch. Hmm, this may be the trick to get it working in the mean time. I'm having trouble making time to see a sparky to sort it out, but if it's all in the switch I'll just swap it out. As I mentioned earlier I got a combo switch off Stewart Wilkins so I'm pretty sure he's got a few dimmer switches. Working on cars was so much easier while I was unemployed :-\ Quote
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