Can't get full beam off

[Thevet]

Anybody got any ideas as to why I can't get the headlights to go onto dipped beam? I was using an aluminium switch from Demon Tweeks, but even after changing back to the factory switch, I've only got full beam. Fine for me driving around but gives the locals a new tan it's so bright. Could it be the relay, and if so how do you check one? Cheers for any help.

[Boosted LS1]

If you know which relay it is then you should hear it click when the contacts engage/diesngage or you may feel it click. Normally circuits go across the relay, north/south or east/west depending on which way up it is in your hand. So it's usually not to hard to work out which wires take power to which appliances. Substitution would be quicker and simpler.

[Steve_D]

The relay is relay number 8 the last one on the line.
The wires to it are:-
Purple
Blue
Blue/white
Blue/red
Blue/black
The Blue/black is the one that gets earthed at the dip switch to toggle the relay.
It is a latching relay and has been a pain in the butt for a number of people.
The factory replaced my first one but that went wrong as well however I took it apart and modified the end stops slightly and it has been OK for 4 years now.

You could try freeing it up by trying the headlight flash with the lights turned off and see if that re-sets it.

I searched all over for a replacement without success but now have a part number. I can't even remember if I found it or someone else did. Anyway it is VW or Porsche 111 941 583.

Steve

[Thevet]

Thanks Mike and Steve, from what you say, I take it you think it is a relay problem. I wasn't aware that you could take a relay apart and physically modify it, might be quicker given that it's the weekend.

[Boosted LS1]

Steve, what do you mean by 'latching' relay?

[Steve_D]

The relay puts the supply from the light switch (headlights on)to either High or low beam. There is a permanent live which passes through the coil of the relay and is earthed at the dip switch.
Each time you press the dip switch the relay flips over and stays there, say in high beam. The next time the switch is pressed it flips over to low beam. hence the term 'Latch' i.e. it stays in the position set.

The even cleverer bit is that if the lights are off then a press of the switch will operate high beam flash.

Steve

[Boosted LS1]

Thanks Steve, I understand what you mean now, it flicks either way.

[Graham-P]

Tim, if it breaks I have a unsed spare here.

[Thevet]

Graham-P said:

Tim, if it breaks I have a unsed spare here.

Graham thanks very much for the offer, hopefully will get a chance to have a look this afternoon, and thanks again to the very clever and helpful PH info service.

[Steve_D]

I think I found that at one end of the relays travel it went a little too far and could not get back. It stopped against the base of the relay and I think the mod I did was to stick a few layers of masking tape to the base which the relay mechanism stopped against.

Steve

[Thevet]

Steve_D said:

I think I found that at one end of the relays travel it went a little too far and could not get back. It stopped against the base of the relay and I think the mod I did was to stick a few layers of masking tape to the base which the relay mechanism stopped against.

Steve

can't see why it refuses to activate, although the latching mechanism seems a bit stiff for something so delicate, but perhaps with the electromagnets inside it has to be that way. However, it seems to be stubbornly resigned to be sent to the bin, so Graham, could I bother you for the relay you kindly mentioned? PM sent.