Light gremlins

[v8wgm]

I'm just back from a long run this evening and have found a problem with the lights . I realised whilst driving along that my dash/dial lights were going now and again, so I fiddled with the dash dimmer switch but it didn't have any effect. I realised when I got home that all my rear lights were going out at the same time; at least the no. plate lights & the rear tail lamps.

Looking at the wiring diagram, I see a common component it the night dimming relay. Does this sound right? i did think I could hear the odd click of a relay from under the dash at times when stationary.

Many thanks for any advice.

Gavin

[DJT]

Gavin,The night dimming relay was fitted up to approx LD30000. It will be behind the nearside boot trim carpet attached to the inner wing. Just disconnect the earth wire and it will be disabled. You could remove it entirely and splice the wires together.

[v8wgm]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the reply.

It seems I dont have a night dimming relay as my wiring diagram shows. Is there another relay that controls these lights?

[v8wgm]

Ignoring the night dim relay on the wiring diagram, I see there is a fuse 7/8 that powers all of the lights that were flickering.

I'll check it out in the morning.

[V Mad]

I have burnt my fingers on the fuse box a few times. When the rivets get loose the terminals get hot under load.

[RogerP]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the reply.

It seems I dont have a night dimming relay as my wiring diagram shows. Is there another relay that controls these lights?

As V Mad say's go for the fuse box.......................Had the same problem bad connection.

Rogerp

[v8wgm]

A quick update, though I'm not 100% sure if it was related. I did check the fuse and it was closing the circuit OK.

When I went to start the car the next morning the starter was turning very slowly. I persisted a bit to see if it would catch but the IGN light came on & stayed on when the ignition was off. Battery voltage check gave 9.5V so I charged it & started the engine. The alternator wasn't charging and after running for 30s or so the IGN light came on & glowed brighter when revved. The alternator had gone & I could see the discharge at the battery terminals when I disconnected & reconnected the earth. At least the short didn't set fire to the car overnight . Strange as the car was going great the night before with a strong full beam.

New alternator now fitted, though under load it sounds like a supercharger. I think I'll keep the receipt close to hand.