Mystery "searchlight" headlight syndrome
05-31-2015, 04:44 AM
#1
You can call me Otis
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Mystery "searchlight" headlight syndrome
I searched, but could not find a related thread.
I know at least 1 similar thread exists, so if the Mods could link or move this that would be great, thanks.
my headlights began doing that up/down thing after I turned them off.
FIX... I removed the headlight relay, I removed the casing to inspect the internal parts, I noticed some carbon tracks/arcs from one of the contact points.
I used a thin strip of 1500 grit wet/dry sand paper held with tweezers to file each contact point.
Also one of the pins was darkened.
I reassembled the relay, pluggged it back in, turned the key on, the headlamps cycled once, I then started the car and turned on the headlights and off again several times and it all works fine now.
The relay was the problem, as in most electrical gremlin cases.
sorry I did not take any pics, but I figured this was routine.
I know at least 1 similar thread exists, so if the Mods could link or move this that would be great, thanks.
my headlights began doing that up/down thing after I turned them off.
FIX... I removed the headlight relay, I removed the casing to inspect the internal parts, I noticed some carbon tracks/arcs from one of the contact points.
I used a thin strip of 1500 grit wet/dry sand paper held with tweezers to file each contact point.
Also one of the pins was darkened.
I reassembled the relay, pluggged it back in, turned the key on, the headlamps cycled once, I then started the car and turned on the headlights and off again several times and it all works fine now.
The relay was the problem, as in most electrical gremlin cases.
sorry I did not take any pics, but I figured this was routine.
Last edited by OTR18WHEELER; 05-31-2015 at 05:58 AM.
05-31-2015, 06:34 AM
#2
Rennlist Member
It is a satisfying feeling when you take something on and get it to work once more.
I do not know if your relay is similar to the later S4/GTS relay but if it is possible to refurb these it has to be worth the effort given the cost of those things. When my relay packed up I had a replacement to hand from my late S4. If I can get the duff one from my GTS working again that would be great but presumably that depends entirely on what the problem was.
Regards
Maybe Alan can give us a quick tutorial on how to approach such.
Rgds
Fred
I do not know if your relay is similar to the later S4/GTS relay but if it is possible to refurb these it has to be worth the effort given the cost of those things. When my relay packed up I had a replacement to hand from my late S4. If I can get the duff one from my GTS working again that would be great but presumably that depends entirely on what the problem was.
Regards
Maybe Alan can give us a quick tutorial on how to approach such.
Rgds
Fred
05-31-2015, 05:23 PM
#3
Team Owner
glad you fixed the lights.
I would suggest to add a drop of deoxit to the contact points,
it will reduce the arcing and prolong the surface condition
I would suggest to add a drop of deoxit to the contact points,
it will reduce the arcing and prolong the surface condition
