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drivetrainshunt

Member Since: 27 May 2023
Location: Surrey
Posts: 13

2007 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Java Black

Main beam not working

Hi all,

Got my tools out for the first time in 15 years. All recent cars have been new. Thought I’d take on a simple job of changing the grill and light surrounds

Very pleased with myself, until checking everything, I realised the main beams don’t work.

Side lights work, full beam flash works. When I push the light stalk all the way back, interior and side lights go off.

Is it likely linked to me changing the grills and surrounds or a coincidental failure of the switch?

I’ve stuck it back in the garage for now and given up for the evening!

Any help much appreciated!

14th Jun 2023 6:53pm

landy andy

Member Since: 15 Feb 2009
Location: Ware, Herts
Posts: 5692

2006 Defender 110 Td5 USW Zermatt Silver

The lights failing, is often the light switch on the steering wheel cowl. A known weak point in the system. But worth checking other stuff like fuses first.

14th Jun 2023 7:21pm

Screbble

Member Since: 26 Apr 2015
Location: Lancashire
Posts: 2098

2004 Defender 90 Td5 XS CSW Zambezi Silver

Coincidences do happen (seemingly more often with Defenders!) but often there’s a more rational explanation.

I am assuming you didn’t remove the headlamps/wiring?

Definitely worth checking the circuit from source, through the fuse, switch, relay etc.

As above, the column switch has a reputation for premature failure.

Good luck 👍

14th Jun 2023 7:43pm

drivetrainshunt

Member Since: 27 May 2023
Location: Surrey
Posts: 13

Thanks for quick replies!

Didn’t touch the headlamps or wiring for them at all. Is there an earth that I could’ve disturbed? Had discounted earth on the basis that the full beam works when I pull back on indicator stalk.

I’ve checked fuses and they seem fine. Might order a new headlight switch and indicator stalk and replace both whilst the cowling is off.

14th Jun 2023 8:50pm

LandRoverAnorak

Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11324

It's almost certainly the indicator stalk. These take the full load of the lights and aren't really up to the job. They get hot which is enough to melt the plastic enough that the contacts move out of position. A new switch is the immediate fix but long term, the solution is to rewire the circuit to incorporate relays to take the load off the switch. You can buy wiring kits for this but they're not that difficult to make from the basic components. Here's how I did mine:

https://www.defender2.net/forum/post895987.html#895987 Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia

14th Jun 2023 9:45pm

drivetrainshunt

Member Since: 27 May 2023
Location: Surrey
Posts: 13

Thanks!

I’ll aim for do it properly, so only do it once!

Might be a stupid question, but would fitting LED headlights reduce the load?

14th Jun 2023 9:56pm

hornet

Member Since: 04 Jan 2010
Location: Western Europe
Posts: 361

Absolutely, H4 = 55/60W while the LED has 15/23W (LTPZ-PXHL-7)

15th Jun 2023 8:20am

drivetrainshunt

Member Since: 27 May 2023
Location: Surrey
Posts: 13

Looks like I am going LED shopping then! Seems like the easiest solution for me is new switch and LED lights (I was contemplating these anyway, but was going to wait for the nights to draw in).

From what I've read, best to pay up for the better examples rather than risk an £80 eBay job.

15th Jun 2023 9:55am

hornet

Member Since: 04 Jan 2010
Location: Western Europe
Posts: 361

Yes, I fully agree here too. I wonder why i was so stupid to switch to LED only this year, the safety gain at night is simply gigantic without exaggeration. I used LTPZ-PXHL-7 because it is a very discreet look that fits really good. And it has all the necessary approvals.

16th Jun 2023 8:28am

drivetrainshunt

Member Since: 27 May 2023
Location: Surrey
Posts: 13

Indicators also failed over the weekend! Hopefully just bad luck!

Managed to make a jump cable with a fuse and tested the hazard switch etc. managed to identify that it was the relay. New one in today and good as gold.

Have ordered crystal headlights and led. Thinking I will go down the standard looking route. Am I being stupid!? (And a bit tight!).

20th Jun 2023 8:16pm

LandRoverAnorak

Member Since: 17 Jul 2011
Location: Surrey
Posts: 11324

Do you mean LED bulbs in a crystal headlight? If so, they're very good as long as you get the right ones - see the thread on Classic Car LEDs. However, you need to be aware that it's illegal to fit an LED bulb to a standard housing and they should fail an MOT. I say should as some people seem to have gotten away with it, but they are specifically listed as a failure item. Darren

110 USW BUILD THREAD - EXPEDITION TRAILER - 200tdi 90 BUILD THREAD - SANKEY TRAILER - IG@landroveranorak

"You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought!" - Princess Leia

21st Jun 2023 7:41am

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