Headlamps intermittently not working

[Vanden Perre]

Can someone help me solving this problem (1966 S3)?

In order to understand each other let me describe what follows:
On the main lamp switch there are 3 positions:
0/ everything off
1/ side lamps, tail lamps and number plate lamp on
2/ as 1/ + either high beam or low beam.

While driving with headlamps on (either high or low beam) with main lamp switch in position 2/ suddenly the headlamps switch off. If going back to position 1/ or 0/ of the main switch, the headlamps are flashing (as I am expecting them to do). After a while and trying regularly to go back to position 2/ of the main switch the headlamps switch on again before the problem comes back one hour, one day or one month later.

Cheers.

Olivier.

[types26/36]

Sounds like the main headlight relay is faulty or is switching off due to the micro switch on right side headlight not working or making a ground contact.

[elancoupe]

This happened to me many years ago. I found that one of the headlamp relays was getting very hot, and replacement with an asian made unit fixed the problem.

[Vanden Perre]

Thanks to both of you.
Brian, is the main headlamp relay the one hidden behind the instrument panel?
Olivier.

[types26/36]

Yes, usually located on the firewall above your knees, but check that the right side micro switch is working ok and is going to ground when the headlight raises and operates the micro switch.

[Jon.ford]

I have recently had this problem it was caused by poor connection to relay, located in nose here is photo.
My car is a sprint I guess relays are the same in an S3
Jon Ford

[types26/36]

My car is a sprint I guess relays are in the same in S3

No, my Sprint has the relays in the same place as yours but the S1/2 and at least the early S3 has the main relay under the dash .......well at least my S2 and S3 are are under the dash.

[Jon.ford]

I stand corrected on relay location, symptoms sound the same though
Jon