Headlight problems

[oxydog]

I bought my 4.0 V6 second-hand with spots, but these have not worked since I got it. I went to a spares shop to have the relay checked, where someone assisted me in testing it. The new relay made no difference, so we left it as is, but ever since, my one headlight only gives 'park', a very week dim, and an even weaker bright. We replaced the bulb, with the same results. Did we damage something, or does it rather sound like a weak connection, or earth problem?

[OOOOMS]

Jarus, seems like a poor earth or wiring damaged, have it checked out asap, you could even run a risk of major damage

[oxydog]

Thanks Mark, I'll have the guys at LAS have a look at it while they're installing the tank and slider tomorrow. They have an auto-electrician on site.

[OOOOMS]

Thanks Mark, I'll have the guys at LAS have a look at it while they're installing the tank and slider tomorrow. They have an auto-electrician on site.

could be something samaal but rather not risk causing any further potential damage.

[CasKru]

Thanks Mark, I'll have the guys at LAS have a look at it while they're installing the tank and slider tomorrow. They have an auto-electrician on site.

When fiddling with the fuse you might have cause a short over the relays energising circuit when switching on the head lights.

[oxydog]

We didn't actually go near the fuses, as the lights were still working, and the headlights are on the same live, so no extra fuses. We've eventually completely bypassed the relay, and the problem remains.

[ThysdJ]

Where does the spotlight relay get it's switching power from? Is it a factory-fit or a aftermarket home installation? It could be that there is a bum connection there....

[oxydog]

Looks like an aftermarket job. I'll have them redo everything tomorrow.

[CasKru]

We didn't actually go near the fuses, as the lights were still working, and the headlights are on the same live, so no extra fuses. We've eventually completely bypassed the relay, and the problem remains.

Sorry man.. .meant to say relay.

With Toyota you have to keep in mind that it's negative switching unlike some other brands

[oxydog]

Think I feel comfortable leaving it in the hands of the professionals. Thanks for all the info, guys.

[Stef]

Where does the spotlight relay get it's switching power from? Is it a factory-fit or a aftermarket home installation? It could be that there is a bum connection there....

I think Thys is "spot on' If those after market spots are wired from the same circuit as the headlights; rewire it. The only shared connection with the existing harness will be the low beam connection that can be used as a positive for the spot relay's coil.

In other words, when brights on, the low beam connection will become positve when the 'earth is removed' from that point & the bright filament is earthed by the stalk switch. If your headlights are the ones with 3 connectors that is...

Edit: made a mistake on the common connection (it is actually hooked up to the 12V line); rectified above....see below from another topic

On my Ltd (22R), the headlight contacts are as viewed from the back of the headlight:

left: common between high & low beam; connected to 12V through relay from fusebox
top: low beam, this point is earthed when lights are switched on
right: high beam; this point is earthed when brights are switched on (think it's red/yellow)

[oxydog]

Stefan, do you think the guys at LA Sport will wire it like that, or should I explicitly request that they do?

[Stef]

Stefan, do you think the guys at LA Sport will wire it like that, or should I explicitly request that they do?

Can't say for sure; think it's best to tell them what you want...more than likely they'll comply or just dicuss the preferred/best method.
The method I mentioned above is the way the factory fitted spots on my LTD are wired, that's how I know.


Check this topic where I did some testing viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11692&hilit=97+SFA+headlamp
I also have a drawing somewhere, not sure if I uploaded to another topic, but the post will explain how the setup works.

[ThysdJ]

As Cassie and Stef says, wiring spotlights on a Hilux is a tricky business. Hilux headlights switch on the earth, not on the live, therefore you need to know what you're dealing with to get it to work right. It has been discussed a lot on the forum, and IIRC there is an article about it too with pictures, wiring diagrams etc etc...

here you go... http://www.hilux4x4.co.za/wire_spotlights/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[oxydog]

OK, I'll make sure they understand what is expected before I hand over the truck.