Headlights Going Out on Idle!

[mascott514]

Hi,
Firstly, I should say hello- I have been a member for a while, and hovered a lot and managed to solve a few issues due to the wealth of information on here.

So- to todays issue.

I have a 1998 2.5 diesel Bongo
On a long run down to Austria this week, when pulling in to services after a long drive, as I parked up, the Headlights went out. As soon as you are back in Drive and add a few revs, they click back on.

Not great for driving in stop start traffic at night!

A mate suggested it may be a Headlight Relay (where would that be, and is it a good starting point)
Any other suggestions.

I have owned it 1 year, so I don't know what state most of the parts are in. No idea age of battery or Alternator
It has a Leisure Battery, that had blown a fuse
It has a Leisure battery indicator in the cab, which seems to be lighting 2/4 lights most of the time
On the Hook up stright to 4/4
Fridge and Lights working ok on LB
Starts ok- used regularly as main vehicle.

Due to go to Orkney Islands on 10 days, so not ideal

Also not ideal- I am pretty much useless! (not totally- but I have a lot to learn!)
I don't have, nor understand meters etc. If I change a fuse, Im really happy!

Would someone mind posting me in a few possible directions. With many thanks, Mark

[Bob]

Likely this is easy to fix.

Some Bongos are fitted with a gadget to do exactly what you describe, this is used in city traffic and to avoid dazzle to the driver in front.

There should be a switch somewhere to over ride it and it's possible you've either operatied it unwittingly (kids playing in the car?) or just not noticed it in operation.

I'd park facing a wall so you can see the lights reflected, switch them on, engine running at idle, then try every switch you can find, especialy any non standard looking ones.

I'm sure there was a thread on here not long back so a search may be worthwhile.

Good luck.

Bingo: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=76546&p=708850#p708850

[Philfish]

There are previous posts on this subject, two of them from me when I too was a newbe.
The over ride switch on my bongo is on the steering column shroud just about where my knees are. And unmarked little rocker switch. I must have switched it over perhaps when cleaning.
I also have a gizmo that switches the sidelights on when darkness approaches or entering a tunnel.
Hopefully this will solve your issues.

[mascott514]

Wow- even I can fix that hopefully!
Thank you - ill update when I have had a look around - probably at night!
I did thoroughly clean inside and out prior to the trip, so could easily have knocked it....

THANKS!

[Bob]

Fingers crossed.

[g8dhe]

Its normally a module drivers side on the top of the dashboard, with an adjusting knob on the side, but there was more than one make/model so they may vary!

[mascott514]

Update...

Thanks all, it was as suggested, a rocker switch under the steering column
Great news

[Bob]

Brilliant news.

We love a simple/cheap/free fix, and your info helps others in the future.