Short in the lights??

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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Dr Fingers
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Short in the lights??

Post by Dr Fingers » Sat Oct 26, 2013 5:22 pm

Full beam indicator is on when lights are in dipped position, accompanied by a distinctly 'burning electrical' smell :shock:

I'm no auto electrician, but can anybody point me in a general direction to trace this problem?

Much appreciated.


Derek
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Re: Short in the lights??

Post by the laird » Sat Oct 26, 2013 5:41 pm

If you think the smell is coming from around the steering wheel area it's probably the indicator dip/main beam switch is u/s
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Re: Short in the lights??

Post by winchman » Sat Oct 26, 2013 6:46 pm

First job is check the earths, had this recently on a Micra, it was the switch and a poor earth behind the head light
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Dr Fingers
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Re: Short in the lights??

Post by Dr Fingers » Sat Oct 26, 2013 7:00 pm

the laird wrote:If you think the smell is coming from around the steering wheel area it's probably the indicator dip/main beam switch is u/s

Worth a spray with switch cleaner?
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Re: Short in the lights??

Post by winchman » Sat Oct 26, 2013 7:39 pm

Dr Fingers wrote:
the laird wrote:If you think the smell is coming from around the steering wheel area it's probably the indicator dip/main beam switch is u/s

Worth a spray with switch cleaner?
Check the Earths first.
The ones I have done on other cars have all mechanically failed and fell to pieces internally.
It could possibly be a stuck relay too.
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Northern Bongolow
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Re: Short in the lights??

Post by Northern Bongolow » Sat Oct 26, 2013 9:24 pm

check/remove the plugs on the headlight bulbs, one or both will maybe have melted.
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Dr Fingers
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Re: Short in the lights??

Post by Dr Fingers » Sun Oct 27, 2013 12:52 pm

Turns out it's a dodgy earth to the n/s headlight.

Thanks folks..


Derek
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Re: Short in the lights??

Post by mikeWalsall » Sun Oct 27, 2013 2:56 pm

Burnt wires / bulb connections are a common problem and new connections are easily sourced ..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H4-Headlamp-H ... 20d8efd1ef
JAL Mushroom roof,12/240v, fridge, cooker, sink, LPG V6 .. (written off @ £5500 Nov 2016)
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Dr Fingers
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Re: Short in the lights??

Post by Dr Fingers » Sun Oct 27, 2013 3:31 pm

mikeWalsall wrote:Burnt wires / bulb connections are a common problem and new connections are easily sourced ..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H4-Headlamp-H ... 20d8efd1ef

Thanks so much for this link, that's exactly what I need. This is exactly why this Forum is pure gold dust :D

Derek
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Re: Short in the lights??

Post by winchman » Sun Oct 27, 2013 6:25 pm

Glad we could help
I would repair any iffy earths and fit an additional one on each headlight should last for ever then.
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