Headlight, sidelight and indicator problem

PostPost by: Si Geen » Sun Sep 13, 2015 1:07 pm

I have developed a lighting problem on my plus 2 spyder with the following symptoms. Which seemed to start after I went away and returned to a waterlogged drivers side following heavy rain.

The side lights are not working.
Headlights not working.
Indicators not working.

Both interior companion lights are constantly on and all other instrument lamps and dials working fine except the Tacho.

However,
Break lights are working correctly.
Hazard lights flashing correctly.
High beam headlights working (when the steering column stick is pulled back they pop up and lights come on until stick released).

I've checked.
All fuses are correct.
The wires to the headlight pull switch.
I've changed two of the relays (one for one).
My new battery's good.
Alternator is giving a good charging condition reading.

Could it be related to the voltage regulator or is it just an earth that needs chasing.

Any help/pointers greatly appreciated.

Simon
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PostPost by: Grizzly » Sun Sep 13, 2015 5:13 pm

Might be worth checking and cleaning all the grounds too.
Chris
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PostPost by: Galwaylotus » Sun Sep 13, 2015 7:30 pm

What I've learned from a recent problem is that you need to check the circuits under load. Don't trust a continuity check as you may have continuity when there is no load but lose it when the load is applied. In my case a connector must have had a bit of corrosion but every time I checked for voltage after the connector I measured 12V. When I switched on a load there was nothing! Once I found the problem, I remade the joint and that was the cure. Electrical problems - don't you just love 'em? :lol:
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PostPost by: Elanconvert » Mon Sep 14, 2015 8:12 am

had similar problems a few weeks ago......removed the nearside rear lens cluster, and half a pint of rainwater spewed out.....dried every thing off, checked connections, earths, etc........problem solved!

the backplate is heavily corroded, hence my recent plea for a replacement!

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PostPost by: Si Geen » Tue Sep 15, 2015 9:37 pm

Thanks for the replays.

I'll start by checking for water ingress on the lights. Then I'll start chasing the wires for earths etc. I'll work from the control switch to lights.

Thanks for the pointers I really appreciate it. Especially as the best of the weathers gone and any tips that help to shorten diagnosis between work and family time are always welcome.

Simon
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PostPost by: Si Geen » Sun Oct 04, 2015 9:03 pm

Problem solved. Water had got into the numberplate lights which had corroded causing a short. I've been away for a while with work so hadn't got round to auctioning your suggestions. Thanks to the recent spell of good weather I celebrated by taking it to Goodwood breakfast club today (A highly recommended morning out - see you tube).

I've bought some inexpensive parts from eBay to make good a repair, rather than replacing the whole light unit. I'll see how I get on and may follow it up with pictures if the repair works.

Thank you for the pointers.

Si
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