Lights

[JWheaton]

Lighting problem.

Headlights work on highbeam all the time. On a occasion the low beams don't work. Actually it more like on occasion they do work.

I have noticed that when they do come on when I turn on the high beams and back to low beams that it typically cuts out at that point.

When I initially turn the lights on it is now guarantee that the lights will work then either.

Any idea on where I should start?

Thanks
Jamie

[strictlypersonl]

Jamie,

Your headlight relay ist kaput. The VW number is 111 941 583. If you find one locally, DO NOT buy the Meyle brand. I just sent back a pile of 'em because they were defective from the factory.

[JWheaton]

Thanks!

I'll give that a try.

[bobbybeige]

Where is this headlight relay located? I am having the same issue & got a new relay from VW going by the part number provided, but I can't find where it is.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by bobbybeige

Where is this headlight relay located? I am having the same issue & got a new relay from VW going by the part number provided, but I can't find where it is.

Right above your knees, usually attached with a zip tie to the steering column or thereabouts.

[Sawdust]

Jamie
Any luck with the sale of your Cobra?

Stu.

[Dirty Harry]

I have the old school floor-mounted dimmer switch setup. Once, I had a similar situation to yours. I found a connection to the dimmer switch had gotten loose to the point where it would only make contact sporadically. It was clear that the loose connection had generated some heat, too. I shortened the wire, installed a new terminal, and plugged things back together at the dimmer switch, and all was well-has worked for years now. Don't know if your setup is like this, but if so, it's worth a look.

[bobbybeige]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Right above your knees, usually attached with a zip tie to the steering column or thereabouts.

That's where I thought it would be, but I only saw a flasher relay there (3 pin) Did not see the headlight relay anywhere. Unless it's hidden behind the kick panel

[bobbybeige]

Originally Posted by Sawdust

Jamie
Any luck with the sale of your Cobra?

Stu.

I see it still on Cobra Country.

https://www.cobracountry.com/cars-fo...cobra-wheaton/

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by bobbybeige

That's where I thought it would be, but I only saw a flasher relay there (3 pin) Did not see the headlight relay anywhere. Unless it's hidden behind the kick panel

Here's a pic of mine. Note the headlight relay at the top of the pic. It is zip tied to the steering column. The flasher unit is part of the trailer relay fusing set up. It all runs in to the same circuitry, so it's got to be around there somewhere. Try tracing the wires as you see them below. It's probably just hiding behind something.

[patrickt]

Wait a minute -- you don't have the old Triumph column in there, do you?

[bobbybeige]

Yes I do. That sounds like it just illuminated a bulb.......

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by bobbybeige

Yes I do. That sounds like it just illuminated a bulb.......

Yep, the Triumph column does not use a headlight relay. It's all in the switch itself. I would shoot Bob P. an email and ask him if there's a cheap and easy upgrade on that switch (assuming it's broken).

[bobbybeige]

Oh damn...........

[bobbybeige]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Yep, the Triumph column does not use a headlight relay. It's all in the switch itself. I would shoot Bob P. an email and ask him if there's a cheap and easy upgrade on that switch (assuming it's broken).

The switch in the column was my first suspect, as when I switched high beam on & off sometimes the lights would come on, then of course until now when they won't go on at all

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by bobbybeige

The switch in the column was my first suspect, as when I switched high beam on & off sometimes the lights would come on, then of course until now when they won't go on at all

Bob might just have something that makes it an easy fix. I'm sure you are not the first one that has experienced a Triumph switch failure.

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Bob might just have something that makes it an easy fix. I'm sure you are not the first one that has experienced a Triumph switch failure.

Triumph. British. Like Lucas.

Say no more.

[bobbybeige]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Bob might just have something that makes it an easy fix. I'm sure you are not the first one that has experienced a Triumph switch failure.

I shouldn't say for sure it's the Triumph column, I don't have paperwork with me or a good picture. But it has the high/low beam switch on the right side stalk, signal on the left.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by bobbybeige

I shouldn't say for sure it's the Triumph column, I don't have paperwork with me or a good picture. But it has the high/low beam switch on the right side stalk, signal on the left.

The ERA column, as opposed to the Triumph column, only has one stalk, which you can rotate to either side of the steering column. Like the VW part that it is, it has the little button behind the back of the end of the stalk that flips the relay between high and low beams. The relay itself "locks" in to place, as opposed to being held with continuous current via an electro-magnet. So, if you have the lights on HIGH, and you turn the switch completely off, when you turn the lights back on they will still be in HIGH mode. That's actually handy if you want to leave your lights in HIGH and then you can flash your lights via the toggle switch at people.

[bobbybeige]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Bob might just have something that makes it an easy fix. I'm sure you are not the first one that has experienced a Triumph switch failure.

I've sent Bob an email a couple of weeks ago, but haven't heard back. Does anybody know of a way around the old Triumph column switch? I have no need for high beams.