R32 Headlight Problem

[Phil Megroin]

Hi,

Ok this is really frustrating me..

Only started happening about 2 - 3 days ago. When i turn on my headlights, my front left light seems to turn on at random times. For example if i turn on my headlights fully, my parkers will turn on, then only the right headlight turns on. I'll turn them off, then turn them back on, then both headlights will come on..

Turn em off and back on again, and then only right side..

Its like the headlight just turns on whenever it feels like it.

Sometimes my front right doesnt turn off and my front left does.

Any ideas? Could it be my battery or something?

I've done heaps of fiddling with all the connections and still havent found anything..

[BH_SLO32]

Sounds like the actual dash switch needs to be pulled apart and the contacts cleaned, very common problem in the R32s. The contacts gradually wear and the contact resistance increases to the point where the lights will work intermittantly. Clean the contacts carefully and you should get some renewed life out of the switch.

Cheers

[Phil Megroin]

oh ok

well i'm a bit of a noob, how do i go about doing that?

Cheers.

[BH_SLO32]

oh ok

well i'm a bit of a noob, how do i go about doing that?

Cheers.

You will have to undo the instrument surround with the light switch and pulling it forward or out completely (easiest solution) you can then access the 3 screws that hold the switch in place. Once you remove the switch carefully open it with a screwdriver. There are 3 thin and long contacts (from memory) which pivot like at seesaw and make contact with some copper pads. You will need to remove the long contacts and with a nail file or similar carefully clean any carbon deposit on the contacts and copper pads. Reassembly and test before putting the switch back in place.

The headlight main feed passes through the switch so any reasonable resistance across the contacts will result in intermittent operation of the headlights.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

[edspaged2]

SLO32 is right. i have exact same problem on my 32. havent fixed it yet(gotta get my car runnin first ), but checked it. the white plug looks as if its been fried a little on mine. hopefully yours aint that bad. The surround aint hard to take off. there are two screws under the cluster surround to unscrew. then there are four on these plastic panels kinda where your knees sit. Pull this panel down a bit and then i think there are two more screws. im pretty sure all 32's have same dash layout. where your light switch is you should then be able to have a look at the plug and clean it

[Phil Megroin]

ahh ok

well get round to it once i get the chance.

cheers fellas!

[Phil Megroin]

Well the problem was exactly how u said it would be.

Took apart my dash and cleaned the see saw thingies and now it works again.. Lets just hope it continues to work..

Cheers again guys.

[edspaged2]

Your shout at the pub bro!