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MG MGB Technical - Headlights not working

Its the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, so all the problems with my car that went away last spring have come back, like the dodgy ground in the rear off-side tail cluster. This one, however, is new: my headlights arnt working. Can anyone advise where I should look for loose or damp connections, etc? I am specialy interested in the route of the wiring between the lights and the dash. Other components on the same fuse are functioning, so its not that.

Any help appreciated.

Andrew
73BGT
Andrew Hetherington

Check first at the bullet connectors behind the radiator grille. If both main and dipped aren't working then I'd suspect the earth. On the other hand it could be that both bulbs have blown simultaneously - that did happen to me once. Also - try the headlamp flasher - if that works then suspect then suspect the switch.
Miles Banister

The headlights are unfused. Dip? Main? Headlamp-flasher working? If none of them are working I would suspect the ground to the body or the bullet connector nearest it as Miles says. If some are then it is either the main switch, dip-switch or bullet connectors. Unless all four filaments have blown ...

The rear clusters (and CB front turn/side clusters) are grounded through the body fixings.

PaulH.
Paul Hunt

I had the same problem - the fault was with the bullet connectors. Have no hestiation in replacing them. They caryr a heavy current and not only corrode but crack. Also the short headlamp harnesses are woth replacing. Good luck

Tony
Tony

And while you are there....
You could also add relays for brighter lights and less current through the switches. Just a thought. See this site for a treatise on what and why. http://lighting.mbz.org/tech/how_to/relays/ As Mr. Stern says, this is NOT a project for everyone, and some cars are too valuable to suffer modification, even for valid reasons. Just a heads up on a worthwhile upgrade if you feel like it. FYI
Bob Muenchausen

I had this same problem last winter and it turned out to be one leg of the driver's side sealbeam had come loose from the back of the bulb .

Take your time and check it out using a good quality test lamp , check and double check your grounds at every step .

I like to start at the headlamp and work my way back to the switch , YMMV .

-Nate
Nate

This thread was discussed between 07/11/2001 and 08/11/2001

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