Dull Headlamp

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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Janner
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Dull Headlamp

Post by Janner » Sun Mar 12, 2017 5:57 am

Hiya,

I had a dull passenger headlamp so changed it. This hasn't fixed the problem, it's still dull whether full beam or dipped. The drivers side works fine. Does anyone have any ideas on what could be the issue? I checked the fuse but looks ok and my logic is that drivers lamp is fine so can't be that anyway.

I could be wrong though :lol:

Any help appreciated. Thanks.
Gasy
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Location: Peterborough

Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by Gasy » Sun Mar 12, 2017 8:32 am

Poor elec connection loads swap over to ceramic block if a clean won't do
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130936815494? ... EBIDX%3AIT
Poor earth
Poor reflector / mirror inside
Poor lens the plastic lenses get a coating on them loads clean with toothpaste

When you say you changed it do you mean the complete unit or just the bulb/lamp
Gas safe heating engineer / plumber if you need any advice just shout.
Janner
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Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by Janner » Sun Mar 12, 2017 10:38 am

Oh :lol:

Sorry for lack of description, I'm all new to the Bongo game! I've only changed the actual bulb. It was working fine until the other day hence why I assumed it was just that.

I'll give everything a clean. How would I go about cleaning the connections?

Are the replacement blocks easy to fit?Or best going to a garage?
Bob
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Location: North Somerset

Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by Bob » Sun Mar 12, 2017 11:06 am

Connector blocks just clip in, 2 mins. :wink:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/39161343 ... 1498247395
Take a torch, toilet roll, and tea bags.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hcF9JSxkUSE
Janner
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Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by Janner » Sun Mar 12, 2017 11:24 am

Thanks for the link Bob. I've found the same on Amazon so much quicker delivery. Only question is, if its a dodgy connection how does this extension cure the problem if I'm putting said dodgy connection in to it?

I'm not doubting your knowledge, just trying to understand :)
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g8dhe
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Location: Worthing, West Sussex.

Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by g8dhe » Sun Mar 12, 2017 11:55 am

If the old connector is damaged then it doesn't help! The heating usually means that the "spring" in the terminals has been lost and the same problem will occur, in which case replace it, if however its not damaged then by using the above ones it can avoid the problem in the future.
Geoff
2001 Aero V6, AFT, full side conversion.
Janner
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Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2017 5:44 pm

Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by Janner » Sun Mar 12, 2017 2:41 pm

It doesn't look damaged in any way. No melting, corrosion etc

I can only apologise if I'm coming across as dense :shock:
Gasy
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Location: Peterborough

Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by Gasy » Sun Mar 12, 2017 2:51 pm

Give it a wiggle
Or a can of elec conection spray cleaner
Gas safe heating engineer / plumber if you need any advice just shout.
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sotal
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Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by sotal » Sun Mar 12, 2017 11:15 pm

Got the same issue with mine, passenger side has gone dim. Have ordered a replacement connector to solder in when I get chance. Don't know if I'll need the connector but at that price I'd rather have one ready for when I get to it.
teenmal
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Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by teenmal » Mon Mar 13, 2017 10:17 am

If you are Careful you could fit the bulb in the connector ( outside ) the headlamp unit and test it. this will confirm whether its the bulb or the lamp unit that is at fault.
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sotal
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Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by sotal » Mon Mar 13, 2017 7:54 pm

Checked mine tonight. The plug had melted around the negative terminal on the bulb.The bulb spade connector had discoloured through heat. I cleaned it up as best as I could with a small file and put it back together. It is now as bright as the driver side one. Will replace the melted plug with the ceramic one when it arrives and I'll beef up the wire to ground.
Janner
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Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by Janner » Mon Mar 13, 2017 10:14 pm

Mine was a simple case of using WD40 electrical connection spray! Thanks for the tip! Just to sort the mould in my roof and we are set!
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sotal
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Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by sotal » Mon Mar 13, 2017 11:50 pm

Dettol mould and mildew worked wonders in our aft.
MalcW
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Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by MalcW » Tue Mar 14, 2017 10:14 am

sotal wrote:Dettol mould and mildew worked wonders in our aft.
I was looking up the mould removal problem for inside the hood of my MX5, and someone recommended using antibacterial wipes. So I bought a pack, the theory being that if they didn't work we could use them around the house. But they worked well, and so far it's still mould free.
Janner
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Re: Dull Headlamp

Post by Janner » Tue Mar 14, 2017 1:03 pm

sotal wrote:Dettol mould and mildew worked wonders in our aft.
Does it not affect the waterproofing etc? I've read these sprays aren't great for it?
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