headlights

[richard1705]

I've just replaced headlights nothing fancy. Straight swap to h4 and h1 . I've put h1 in the middle which should be flash only . But they come on with normal lights
Not flash
Any suggestions plz

[NeilR]

They should come on with flash & on main beam.

[richard1705]

originally. middle ones were only flash

[DJT]

originally. middle ones were only flash

No. Originally middle ones were main beam and flash. Original setup was 4 x H1 bulbs. Outers dip, which stayed on with main beam.

[SaphireSpud]

I agree with DJT! Regards, John.

[trunt]

No. Originally middle ones were main beam and flash. Original setup was 4 x H1 bulbs. Outers dip, which stayed on with main beam.

Indeed, not a straight swap, so check the wiring someone else has probably been there before. I would be concerned that main and dip being on at the same time on the outside ones is risking overheating? However I’m guessing someone will post more on that!

[Lingen]

You are right to be concerned. If both filaments are on together, the lamp will definitely overheat, and have a very short life. You should only use the dip filament on the H4/outer lights.
Mike.

[gbb483]

I think what DJT is referring to is the outer dip filaments being on when main beam is selected, not that two filaments in one bulb are on at the same time.

[DJT]

I think what DJT is referring to is the outer dip filaments being on when main beam is selected, not that two filaments in one bulb are on at the same time.

No, what I said was that, originally, Stags (UK) were fitted with 4 x H1 bulbs. H1 are single filament. In dip mode only the outers were on. For main beam, the inners came on as well as the outers, so all 4 headlamps were illuminated. Dual filament H4 lamps were not used. But, as mentioned by Terry, in 50 years there has been plenty of opportunity for others to play around with the wiring. My Stag has 4 x H4 lamps, with relays, so I have 4 x dip and 4 x main.

[Philip Wardle]

The bulb chart on page 86.00.01 of the ROM shows variations in original fitments for L.H. dip vs. R.H. dip and different markets, I guess to comply with differences between local regulations. This confirms 4 x H1 for UK cars, shown as "Lucas 448".

[FrenchStag]

Are your middle lights only coming on for "dipped mode" or do they come on for main beam mode. If its just the "flash" that doesn't work, maybe its your column switch? From memory the flash mechanism brings some wire brush a bit like a scaletrix connector into contact with another connector when you move the column stalk to flash. Maybe this is corroded or not connected up properly?

When I got all new headlamps and bulbs from Rimmers, the new inner halogen (main beam) lights just needed two connections, instead of my existing 3-pin connector boxes.

These were not in the kit provided. With a Stanley knife I “dissected” the old 3 pin connector to make two individual connectors per bulb which seemed to do the trick (not a super tight fit, but not too loose either).

The outer lights were still 3 pin H4 ones with connections for dip & main beam on the bulbs. My problem (which took me years to realize) was that when main beam was switched on, the dipped beam remained on also. It was not switching off, and as a result the bulbs were over-heating and blowing.

I did try and see if there was a way to get the two (master & column) switches to “switch off” the dip beam when the main beam was on. But there was no obvious way.

I finally understood (at least on reading the manuals and forums and looking at the wiring diagram) that the outer lights were originally intended for dipped beam only, and the inner lights for main beam/flash.

So after years of error, the cure was simple. Remove one bullet connector from the “blue & white” wire main beam connections on each outer headlamp. Tape up the connector neatly and wrap in up out of the way. Ergo dipped beam only in the outer headlamps and no more blown bulbs.

[SteveD]

No, what I said was that, originally, Stags (UK) were fitted with 4 x H1 bulbs. H1 are single filament. In dip mode only the outers were on. For main beam, the inners came on as well as the outers, so all 4 headlamps were illuminated. Dual filament H4 lamps were not used.

That's what I have. I just replaced the original H1s with OSRAM H1 Night Breakers which give an improvement.

Steve

[trunt]

Keep in mind that the power for the “flash” comes from a different fuse, it’s the one for the interior light’s IIRC.

Best bet is to install relays, you can make it work as you like eg all 4 main beams on and dip off with a bit of ingenuity, it also relieves the switch of the current they draw and can even improve the performance.