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Weird lighting problem

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 8:15 pm
by TransplantCanuck
The previous owner of my Hilux had driving lights installed, and I decided to replace them with newer units. The old ones worked, so I know they were wired correctly. There's an illuminated switch that only allows the driving lights to be turned on when the highbeams are on. He used two relays (one for each light), and I've checked that the wiring for those relays is correct.

So here's the weird part - I measure 12V at the connectors, but when I connect the lights (left, right, or both), nothing happens. I know the lights are fine, because they work when wired to a 12V power source directly. But plug them in to the wires, and . . . nothing. It seems that as soon as a load is applied, the voltage just disappears. I'm not blowing any fuses, so there doesn't appear to be a short.

Any ideas?

Re: Weird lighting problem

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 9:10 pm
by brissle
dont know whats going on , but make sure you use a 12v test light when looking for this kind of problem and not a volt meter. Start checking with the lights connected at the light and work your way back checking both sides of and connectors and relays. Sounds like some sort of dodgy connection to me.

Re: Weird lighting problem

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 8:46 pm
by ledgend80
there not negativly switch are they.

Re: Weird lighting problem

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 8:56 pm
by TransplantCanuck
ledgend80 wrote:there not negativly switch are they.
Yup, they are setup correctly for switched ground.