n10000k

Member
Hey gurus,

So just installed some headlights (https://www.thomasperformance.co.uk...r-defender-led-projector-headlights-with-halo)

The vehicle had previous HID's however, removed them as they're full of water and was under the impression they're faulty as they're flickering (thought previous owner got some cheap eBay ones).

Just installed the new ones, still the flickering. When engine is not running they're pulling 12v at the lights, however when the engine is running they're pulling 4 to 5v at the lights.

Is there a relay that manages the power when the engine is running? If so where is it located.

Does anyone have a link to wiring diagrams also?

Thanks in advance.
 
300tdi, however not sure if they used to 200tdi loom as this was a conversion from a previous owner.
My first thought would be the dim dip relay (if fitted and a 300tsdi or later loom). it is form memory an oversized pink relay behind the instrument binnacle. You can get replacements that bypass it or modify the existing one to bypass it IMO it serves no useful purpose other than to go wrong and casue other issues. When it fails you get some odd symptoms, mine kept melting headlight switchs!
 

I believe that the dim/dip circuitry does not work with LED lights as it uses resistors create a "dim headlight" which does not work with an LED bulb, LED's are either on or off unlike a filament bulb. I do not know if you get the same issue with an HID circuit but quite possible will.

I was expecting something like this, this is the one that I was referring to:
140291a_large.jpg

normal_image~18.jpg


This is the relay on the dim dip circuit that is renowned for failing. If you do find this relay you can remove it and replace it with a bypass wire to check if it is the problem with you flickering. If this bypas solves the flickering by removing the dim dip circuit from the lighting system.

normal_image~6.jpg


There is a thread here (another forum) LINK on how to bypass it which I followed when I was having headlight trouble, but you can also buy a dedicated bypass relay to replace it rather than diy bypassing the existing relay..
 
Yeah I don't have the pink relay at all, just the black dim dip orange plug relay (older 200tdi's have them)

I've unplugged it and no headlight function at all now, has anyone hooked this up directly to a relay before?

So far I've found
  • Perm 12v
  • Switch from dip which gives 12v
  • Ignition 12v
Whats-App-Image-2022-01-06-at-12-35-49.jpg
 
Yeah I don't have the pink relay at all, just the black dim dip orange plug relay (older 200tdi's have them)

I've unplugged it and no headlight function at all now, has anyone hooked this up directly to a relay before?

So far I've found
  • Perm 12v
  • Switch from dip which gives 12v
  • Ignition 12v
Whats-App-Image-2022-01-06-at-12-35-49.jpg

Brown will be permanent 12v,
orange and white will be ignition 12v
I am guessing the bottom wire I cannot fully see is red and orange and is the side light feed in?
Blue and red is normally headlight dip beam I believe?
Blue and white is normally main beam I believe?


To diagnose this I would try and work out which ones go to the headlights (I believe the blue and red) and connect the permeant 12v to them (temporarily as a test) and see if it removes the flicker. If it does you know this is the problem, if not then you know it is something else. By doing this you are only doing what the relay would be doing when turning the headlights on, and replacing the relay with a wire.
 
I can confirm they work with a wire straight to it on 12v perm (to blue+red) bypass, going to wire up a relay now.

Are high beams another wire? previous owner (for whatever reason) wired up the roof light bar to their high beam :eek:
 
I can confirm they work with a wire straight to it on 12v perm (to blue+red) bypass, going to wire up a relay now.

Are high beams another wire? previous owner (for whatever reason) wired up the roof light bar to their high beam :eek:
High beam is a separate wire to low beam yes. From memory high beam is blue and white wire colour.
What do you mean by wired up to the roof lights? Wired directly onto the high beam circuit or wired via relays triggered by high beam circuit?

If wired directly into the high beam circuit that is asking for trouble and they need to be disconnected as soon as possible to prevent damage IMO.

If wired up using the high beam circuit to trigger relays that is fairly standard and how I have mine wired up. I do however have a three way switch in mine to give me options to either have on with the switch, off, or one when main beam is on. Having had them wired up like this for over 10 years I have probably only had them off twice.

I am currently wiring up some additional lights onto my td5 and due to the fact the switches are earth switches rather than live I am only going to have two options either on, or on with main beam. As above in over 10 years of driving my 110 I have not come across a situation where I want my main beam on but do not want the additional lights on and therefore need an off option?
 

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