So my fun with electrics begins ...

[earlybay]

So my first job in getting the '84 FHC on the road is sorting the electrical issues - see Karls' previous post

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

but couple of quick questions first - can someone tell me what this switch on the side of the centre dash pod is for - its not mentioned in the manual ...its marked 'lights' but the main switch for the lights is on the front of the centre pod...



And also what this module behind the centre dash pod is ?

[mrzigazaga]

Hi mate...Not sure what the light switch on the centre console could be?... Maybe a cut out switch?...The pod thingy is the illuminator for the light switches, It un-clips and there is a bulb inside...Cheers...Ziga

[jindle]

could be a fan override?

[earlybay]

ah thanks about the switch illuminator - should have thought of that ! So much to learn ...

[Yatesy350i]

Mike

Isn't the light swith on the side of the pod the isolator/swith for the front drivers lights, so they don't have to come on with the main beam?

Karl

[earlybay]

ah maybe yes Karl - I will check that theory out later - that may explain the extra relay - the normal relay board diagram shows a 9th relay for aircon where fitted - this maybe being used for that extra driving light switch ...

strangely I removed one of the diodes (d2) which I thought had got fried, and it seems to make no difference with it removed ??

Edited by earlybay on Friday 4th April 16:00

[adam quantrill]

A naughty switch to turn off the brake lights??? ;^)

Probably front or rear fogs given that it has a tell-tale.

[earlybay]

so more testing on the main beam issue - it seems that when you flash the main beam (with headlights on, ignition off), it is energising the ignition relay - does this sound like an issue with the light stalk itself ?

Also, when the main beam is on, should the normal dipped beam go out - ie is it two filaments in one bulb does anyone know ? As the lights are still working with only ONE diode plugged in it seems to me like the main beam has been wired to also leave the dipped beam on, otherwise I reckon the pods would drop with only one diode ?

Im seriously thinking of re-configuring the lights with perhaps a separate switch to raise the pods, and then just leave the main light switch to feed the bulbs - that way no diodes - anyone know if this would be an MOT issue ?

Also Id prefer to use the front driving lamps for the flash only (rather than having pods popping up for flashing) - would this be acceptable ?

[mrzigazaga]

earlybay said:

Also, when the main beam is on, should the normal dipped beam go out

I believe the low beam stays on when main beam is on...

earlybay said:

Also Id prefer to use the front driving lamps for the flash only (rather than having pods popping up for flashing) - would this be acceptable ?

My driving lamps operate without the pods if you pull the stalk towards you...I assumed thats how they are set up on the 350i..It was as you say on my 280i...Ziga

[Wedg1e]

earlybay said:

Also Id prefer to use the front driving lamps for the flash only (rather than having pods popping up for flashing) - would this be acceptable ?

Some variants were wired that way from new, it gets round the issue of the pods coming up AFTER the light have flashed. My car's configured to flash the driving lamps AND raise the pods; just as well as the driving lamps haven't been connected for years.

[Wedg1e]

mrzigazaga said:

earlybay said:

Also, when the main beam is on, should the normal dipped beam go out

I believe the low beam stays on when main beam is on...

It shouldn't do that - in fact it should be just about impossible for it to happen since the same relay supplies either dip or main beams.

[earlybay]

Wedg1e said:

It shouldn't do that - in fact it should be just about impossible for it to happen since the same relay supplies either dip or main beams.

thats exactly what I thought - looking at the diagrams on http://www.wedgeneering.co.uk/TVR%20390SE%20p6.htm ,
as you say, could only be either dipped OR main, which makes me think someone has wired mine very strangely ! or dear ...