Main Beam Not Working

[n8ony]

Came back from a wonderful run over Dartmoor the other evening, and went to put the headlights onto main beam but nothing happened. They still work on main beam if you pull the stalk backwards into the flash position but wont work when pushing the switch away from you. The lights work fine on dipped beam and the indicators work etc. Any ideas, do I need to change the whole assembly ? Thanks. Tony

 

[75pno]

You need a new indicator switch, they cost about £75.00 new.
I fitted a new one to my old 3.2, but it is a fiddly job and you need to be in the right mood and not in a rush !

75 PNO

 

[nathan 1981 930 G50]

Yes, they seem quite weak in my experience.

 

[l2015]

I agree with you nathan,I seem to have a problem with the other stalk,wipers only work at one speed.Apologies if this seems like a thread hi jack.

 

[nathan 1981 930 G50]

Well, I think it just gives the poster more confidence in finding out exactly what's wrong, which is a good thing.

I've actually succesfully 'tweaked' both my stalks in my 3.2 and they currently work fine. One of them was renewed in the past not long before I bought the car, they must be weak []

 

[weekes1]

Over time and with a lack of been used the contacts can get a coating on them, just take the steering wheel covers off and identify the correct contact and with a small piece of wet & dry paper folded in half place between open contacts, then close the contact and pull the paper out, you may need to do this a few times.

Bob, South Australia

 

[l2015]

Well the same things just happened to me nathan,dipped the headlights when driving into my garage lights now stuck on dipped,only consolation is they go off if i just use sidelights.So my question is do i need a new stalk or is there anything to be gained by stripping down.thanks in advance

 

[l2015]

ok just re read tonys initial post andjust its not the same problem but probably still requires the same part replacement.Just incase theres anyone out there splitting hairs lol

 

[n8ony]

Thanks Guys. I have managed to get a new switch off EBay cheap, and will fit it over the winter months. May try cleaning the contacts first though, and if it works keep the new switch as a spare.

 

[l2015]

Thanks for the info bob,hopefully get a chance to check that at the weekend.Fancy a house swap for a couple of months this weathers hackin me right off.

 

[nathan 1981 930 G50]

Liam, I bet it only needs a tweak!

 

[Gary C]

ORIGINAL: weekes1

Over time and with a lack of been used the contacts can get a coating on them, just take the steering wheel covers off and identify the correct contact and with a small piece of wet & dry paper folded in half place between open contacts, then close the contact and pull the paper out, you may need to do this a few times.

Bob, South Australia

Be careful using wet and dry. Most electrical contacts are coated with a very hardwearing layer at the contact point. If you use wet&dry you will probably remove this layer leaving a copper to copper contact which will work fine but will errode more quickly.

You could try to clean contacts with paper while squeezing the contacts together , its just rough enough to remove most contamination without damaging the contact. You can get specialist cleaning stuff, but at work paper does the job most of the time.

Not sure if this switch is coated though.

 

[l2015]

Thanks for the info guys I ll definitely check this before i order a new part,had hoped to get this done this weekend, but i dont think I ll have the time might have to wait till during the week ,let you know how i get on.cheers

 

[Gary C]

ORIGINAL: nathan 1981 930 G50

Well, I think it just gives the poster more confidence in finding out exactly what's wrong, which is a good thing.

I've actually succesfully 'tweaked' both my stalks in my 3.2 and they currently work fine. One of them was renewed in the past not long before I bought the car, they must be weak []

Arrrgh, my car has just failed it's MOT because the dip switch is faulty.

Nathan, can you describe your 'tweaks'

 

[nathan 1981 930 G50]

I seem to recall using a small but long screwdriver or a pick... I wish I could be of more help, but basically the contacts have moved/bent from where they were originally. Oh, turn the lights and ignition off. I didn't disconnect the battery or fuses though which wouldn't have been a bad idea...

 

[Gary C]

Ah ha

Fixed it

The metal beam that operates the switches (arrowed) had bent slightly over the years, a quick bend back to straight and now the dip switch works fine.

Getting the switch out though !

Various contortions required as the switch needs to be pushed back, but there's not enough clearance between it and the dash.

 

[Gary C]

You need to push back & rotate the switch anti-clockwise to get the clearance, and even then its a bit tight.

Could have done the job probably with the switch in place, but would not have been able to diagnose the problem.

And another thing, the cables do not plug in at the switch, but run through the dash to a plug at the right hand bulkhead, so you would have to open all the cable ties for the loom and pull it through to replace the switch, crazy. Hate to think what the OPC would have charged (the switch itself was quoted at £97)