Headlight Problem

[dyl33]

Hi,

I've got this problem with my headlights cutting off when i stop at lights with my foot on the brake.

When I come to a complete stop at the lights with my foot on the brake. my headlights cut off usually they turn back on when I take off again or I just turn them off and on they work. They work fine when driving just when you stop they cut out,

Any ideas

Thanks

[89CAL]

O.K sounds a bit like you have a short going on. Sounds like your headlight wire and brake wire are touching somewhere and when you put your foot on the brakes the power going to the headlights finds an easier path of resistance and takes the brake circuit.

Is it a case of every single time the headlights go out it coincides with the brakes being pressed or does it happen at any other time?

if so you might need to check the voltage at your brakes with the headlights off then get someone to turn them on and see if the voltage changes at all.

You really just need to check as much as you can. The short idea is just a guess, Hard to say without looking

[dyl33]

yeah only when im on the brake at a complete stop somtimes it takes 3-4secs before it cuts out

[YEE-HAA]

Hi

Do any other lights come up on the dash? Like a battery light perhaps!

If so it could indicate a faulty voltage regulator/alternator. It could be cutting out @ idle because there isnt enough voltage to sustain the lights. Try putting a multimeter on the output of the alternator with and without the brakes on @ idle and at higher revs. A good voltage output would be around the high 13v to low 14v mark.

Something else to consider.

Hope this helps.

[dyl33]

How do I go about finding the fault. I havn't played with to much wireing before. I've got a multimeter and what-not.

[YEE-HAA]

Sorry for the late reply.

You should be careful when poking around running alternators if you not familiar with this sort of thing. There is usually a thick wire which is bolted onto the back of the alternator, this is the output wire which supplies power to the battery and other electrics on the car amongst other things. You can get a positve reading from here, earth lead to a earth like a strut tower nut etc and you'll get a reading. Failing that you can get a rougher idea by putting the multimeter directly onto the battery, but this isnt as accurate.

If your still in doubt, best to consult an auto elec to check it for you. Good luck.

[dyl33]

I still have this problem (Never fixed it)

Can anyone recommend a good auto electrician on the gold coast,

Maybe someone good with jap cars or just someone that wont make it worse lol

I've noticed that idle will drop when turning on headlights it doesn't stall, Right headlight dies first then Left or only Right headlight will cutout Left will stay on only after I've stopped I see it in the reflection on cars infront.

Anyway if anyone can recommend an auto electrician it would be great

Edited November 25, 2012 by dyl33