K reg celica headlight problem

[kellys hero]

Here's one to think about.

The dip beam is very dim, when I link a seperate earth to the back of the lamp it gets brighter, but on closer inspection it is now illuminating both fillaments of the bulb (dip and main) this remains the case regardless of the high beam being switched on or off.

When I remove the "earth" and the lights go back to being dim on the dip beam the high beam then works as it should.

Ant ideas? All else seems to be in order but I can't find a fuse box either (I am new to this car, it's been bought for a cheap top gear type trip to Europe for £124)

[maser_spyder]

This is going to sound like an odd suggestion, but have you got another bulb to try?

I can't remember if the bulbs are dual filament for this model?

I once fitted a brand new rear light bulb which was dual filament, then found out my brake lights came on whenever I turned the lights on. Turned out the filaments had fused across, so turning on one light automatically turned on the other. This replicated across to the other light unit.

Lighting is pretty simple on these cars, if in doubt, take the bulbs out and use a 12V tester on each supply (for dip and main beam) using a good earth. That should show up any likely problem.

[kellys hero]

Hi thanks for reply, yes the bulbs are dual fillement, when connected to the battery independantly by a piece of wire the bulbs work perfectly which is frustrating, as you say the wiring is pretty simple so I am at a loss now as to where the fault can be.

Looks like I will be wiring a brand new bespoke high and low beam circuit and chopping out the original system.

How I am looking forwrad to that.