Hello,

I have been having some issues with my headlights on my 87 xj6. One night I was driving home and noticed​ my driver's side headlight was out, when I turned on my highbeams the passenger side bulb went out and the two lights on the driver's side came on. I replaced both low beam bulbs, I then had both low beams working but when I turned my highbeams on it was the same issue, just the two bulbs on the driver's side were on.

I left it because all I need are two low beam bulbs, unfortunately the other night both my low beams went out, again when I turn my high beams on just the two on the driver's side come on!

I hope that wasn't too confusing but that is the current issue. Should I replace both high beam bulbs as well or my headlight switch itself? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

 

Hi Blaine

If you have variability between sides of the car then its less likely its the switch or the headlight relay. The headlight switch sends power out to the headlight relay and the high/low beam lever just sends an earth pulse to that relay which toggles it between high and low. Everything to do with left/right is from the relay forwards.

More likely culprits are the headlight fuses (mounted high, ahead of the headlight relay on the drivers side over there). These are infamous for becoming corroded and/or loose and/or having flakey connection internally between the fuse wire and cap giving interesting results. Remove, clean, slightly tweak the holder to increase tension and preferably replace (20A low 35A high). If you want to use the old ones test them with a meter, dont trust a visual inspection.

I'd also locate and clean the earthing points at the headlights.

Hope that helps

 

+1 on cleaning fuses and grounds as a first step. Doing so usually solves the problem.

The headlight grounds are on either side of the radiator on the forward face of the engine bay front bulkhead

Cheers
DD

 

All quite true. I jumped in early on and swapped a dark seal beam for new one. Standard fix on USA critters. Not here!!! new unit dark!!!


Go as suggested to the fuse box. I've done an easy fix and one a bit more complex.


1. Just roll the fuses in their cradles.


2. Remove the fuse holder bock and access the underside. Scrub with contact cleaner and a small brush. Los of crud can gather there.


Carl

 

Disregard, responded to the wrong post