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MG MGB Technical - No headlamps

The headlamps on my 1974 chrome bumper car have all-of-a-sudden stopped working tonight. When I put the headlamp switch on the high-beam indicator comes on the dashboard irrespective of whether the high beam switch is on or off, but the headlamps themselves do not light at all. Both front sidelamps work and the tail lamps are all working OK. I've checked all the bulbs, fuses and bullet connectors to the lamps and all seem OK although it's getting too dark now for a full inspection.

Any ideas as to what might have gone wrong?
Mike

Check that the headlamps are grounded. The ground wire is a black lead from the headlamp sockets that is connected thru bullit connectors under the radiator slam panel.
John H

Check all the connections on the switch as well. See if theres a supply coming from the switch to the headlights. If there is and its not getting there, it narrows things down quite a bit.
Ross Kelly

Thanks for your help guys, it was indeed a faulty earth connection John, Although I checked these last night another inspection this morning revealed that the female bullet connector underneath the front slam panel had split lengthways. A clean of the male bullets and a new 2-way female connector has cured the problem.


Mike

Glad you found the fault Mike. On the same subject but a slight difference - a colleague in our club ( West Lancs MG)with a '72 GT - blew both his head light bulbs the other evening - he fitted a new pair and blew both those - any ideas? - my first thought is an out of spec control box - cheers Cam ( ex GT owner -now with an MGA)
Cam Cunningham

Sounds like the regulator in the alternater has gone bad. Put a voltmeter across the battery and rev the engine to about 2000 rpm. If you see more then 15 volts on the meter, the alt is the problem.
John H

Thanks John - will tell him to try it - cheers Cam
Cam Cunningham

This thread was discussed between 10/06/2008 and 11/06/2008

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