(Another) Terrano headlight issue question!

[FishingTerrano]

Hi guys,

Some nice looking trucks on this forum! one day, plenty of reading for now...Anyway was coming back (funnily enough from a night fishing trip) and my left headlight (not high beam) gave out. Had a quick read of this thread:

http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/ ... 25&t=28684

and thought I might be having the same issue? My right headlamp is now doing the same, although it still comes on randomly. Both high beams work perfectly. The foglights or whatever they are are ok Wasn't sure what year Terrano LowRel was driving though so might double check. I'm driving a 95 TD27 variant.

[sibainmud]

D21 or R50?
The bulb contacts get dirt and corrosion in them causing the same issues. or it will be the control box as in that other thread.
Cheers,

[FishingTerrano]

D21 mate, ok. Will check out the contacts and control box tomorrow. Just to double check:

http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/ ... =4&t=11648

is the relay box the same as the one found in that thread?

Cheers

[sibainmud]

Kiwi Pete's wiring diagram is for a head light loom upgrade. it uses the signal from the control box to run some relays that get their power direct from the battery. best way to check the bulb contact is to remove the bulb from the reflector and turn on lights. wiggle the bulb in the plug and see what happens. Don't touch the glass part of the bulb with your skin or the oil from your skin will kill the bulb sooner than later (same rules as any halogen bulb).
Best of luck.
Cheers,

[Big ALF]

Had this problem on a trip north not long after I bought my truck. If all else fails have a check of where the battery terminal and the headlights link in. mine fried and killed the lights. but only the left would come on intermittently.
Fixed up the terminal and she was sweet.

May help you. May not

Cheers



"I Didn't buy a 4wd to go around s&*t"

[slide]

If you turn switch on and off heaps, and get different results as per which lights work/don't then it must be the switch. (Only thing to have changed).
Its easy to get to, just remove column trim, and 2 more screws and its out.
No need to remove steering wheel.
If you push contact by hand you'll see which contact does which light.
Just don't bend them as they're hard to straighten
Good luck,
Nathan

[FishingTerrano]

Checked the bulb contacts and cleaned them but still no left headlight. Being new to all this is this little thing (fuse?) the control box?



Thanks Slide, I will go check the switch after the Super Bowl. What am I looking for at the battery terminal where the lights wire in?

Cheers for the help everyone.

[FishingTerrano]

I took the headlight stalk out and everything was clean and appeared to be working ok. I'm assuming the copper finger things are what could give out? anyway they clicked down fine.

[slide]

I'm assuming the copper finger things are what could give out?

Yea, its the very ends of them.
Where they contact they arc very slightly everytime switched on/off.
After thousands of cycles they build up carbon layer that stops power getting through. Trick is to get wet and dry sandpaper (800) and carefully sand the contacts until they're shiny again.
But yes, they copper fingers must not be bent, or light will either be permant on or never go on depending on if bent to open circuit or closed.
Hope that helps clear it up
Nath

[FishingTerrano]

Cheers Nath - I will double check tomorrow regarding the carbon build up.

[FishingTerrano]

Just popped down and checked now Nath - you were spot on. Pressed down the contact and the left headlight lit up. Used a small screw driver to give it quick clean, didn't bend anything and now it works great. Will follow up tomorrow with my girlfriend fine nail board thing

Cheers