Headlamp Problems, On Just Purchase Bongo

[Fireball]

Hi All,
Posted this in my other thread on the Main chat section but felt it has a better relevancy to this section. It has been sugested by a member that the I have a electricaly problem and should get it seen to. Posting on here incase anyone has had the same issue or recognises the symptons. Bought a Bongo at the weekend R reg and bought of the importer.

The problem I am having is that when I turn on the headlights they automatically dim after 1-3 seconds of being switched on when the engine is running. They return to normal when I put on the indicators and light back up. As soon as the indicator is returned to the regular position they dim back down within 1-3 seconds. I have noticed that there is a clicking noise when they dim down. The source of the "click appears to be coming from/behind the fuse box on the right of the steering wheel. Also when the engine is of the headlights will not dim when switched on.

I read some where that some japenese car drivers dim switch of there head lights when behind other cars as a matter of courtesy??? Is this true?? Could it be that the last owner in Japan has wired something up like this to do it automatically? If so how do I remove it. They have done a few other mods such as inserting foglights controlled by a remote control in the spaces next to the number plate and put in metal grab bars in the back as mentioned somewhere else on this forum.

It passed its MOT like this!
The importer was a private seller so I probally wont be able to get help of him, although he mentioned at the time that he thought it was a mod.


Any Suggestions would be appreciated. I would like to try fix this without taking it to a garage as tight on cash after buying it. Althought if thats what you recommend I will listen. And before the weekend as going on our first Bongo Road trip.

Many Thanks

FireBall (AKA Simon)

[Doone]

I read some where that some japenese car drivers dim switch of there head lights when behind other cars as a matter of courtesy??? Is this true??

This sounds like a fault, not quite the same as the 'auto dim' function which usually has a seperate switch, see this link.

Bought a bongo at the weekend, the guy had a few to chose from

You certainly can't drive in the dark while it's like this. You say you can't take it back as the guy you bought it from is a private seller. But judging from your other post, he sounds like a small dealer, so I'd ask him to fix it for you. Dealers are responsible for any faults that are present at time of sale. The problem is usually in proving that the fault was there when it was sold, but as you discussed this with him, it clearly was there. If it's not an easy fix, or will cost you, I'd take it back.

[ns400r]

Hi

My headlights have a dimming feature,there is a small switch located under the steering Colum, when moving off forwards or backward the headlights go to dipped beam the when stopped go onto sidelights until the ignition is turned off and they go back to dipped.

Hope this helps.

[mikeonb4c]

One thing I'm trying to understand - is the vehicle useable? Do the headlamps work normally when on the move and/or if a 'key' control like indicators is used. If so it sounds like a vehicle modification (and quite useful too!). It should be simple in due course to fit a switch that gives an override option but at least it could be happily used until the solution has been sussed out.

[technophobe]

Just a thought. If the seller is registered in any way you can probably use the Sale of Goods Act or Trading Standards if he won't do any thing. Would suggest you mention it to him if he won't help. The only place where it is only buyer beware is on an open market. I he is importing to sell, how many times has he done it before. Whole legal tangle, but worth checking. Failing that a good auto electrician should be able to help at not much cost.

[bigdaddycain]

Hi Fireball, the clicking of which you speak sounds like a relay kicking in &out...Have you had a really close check for any extra switches on or around the dash?

Possibly a rocker switch with illumination?

[Fireball]

Hi thanks all very much for your replys, especially ns400r and bigdaddycain
................. there was at the very bottom of the steering column a rocker switch hidden away ( I had checked all the other switches) So it is as mikeonb4c mentioned a useful if slightly confusing mod. Spoke to the dealer and he was going helpful and was going to speak to the mechanic who serviced it.

However think I shall keep it on the normal position for the moment

Cheers
Fireball

[bigdaddycain]

I knew there would be one somewhere! It's quite a handy little device when fitted,the bongo's headlights are a bit higher than your average car, so i can imagine them glaring into the rear view mirror in a big queue quite distracting for the driver in front.

Better that device fitted than the yellow spray on headlight dimmers so popular in japan...

(you'll probably find more switches yet ya know?)

[mikeonb4c]

Goodo, panic over - another impressive result for the Bongo Tribe

Interesting to think how it could be a minor fuel saver if stuck in a traffic tailback