headlight hassle

Threealfas · #1 (**permalink**) 11-26-2003, 06:34 AM

Hi guys, just had a strange one with my 1750. Two weeks ago I had the electricals sorted out as part of its MOT ( road worthy etc). I also had a relay installed to get more juice to the headlights, as recommended by local ALFA restorers/parts people. Everything is fine except tonight I notice that the left hand outer light ( low beam ) is not working. Every other light is ok. It may well be a bulb, but does anyone have any other thoughts about what it could be before i drag her up to the shop to get looked at again.

Thanks,

phil

**papajam** · #2 (**permalink**) 11-26-2003, 07:55 AM

I'd guess either the bulb went, fuse #7 (I think) is loose/corroded or it's a bad ground.

Threealfas · #3 (**permalink**) 11-26-2003, 07:59 AM

Thanks papa , is each individual light controlled by its own fuse. Surely not ? In anycase I think my light fuses now run off the relay. i will check in the Am.
Thanks

Autoelectrics are a dark art. Lets see I'll need rock salt, a black rooster, some black candles, the spleen of a billy goat oh and I almost forget the wiring diagram for a 1750 GTv mk2.

Phil

**papajam** · #4 (**permalink**) 11-26-2003, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Threealfas
.....is each individual light controlled by its own fuse.....

Threealfas · #5 (**permalink**) 11-26-2003, 10:50 PM

Well it gets stranger. I pulled the 30 amp fuses on the relay. Nothing. Went to see the autoelectrician and both the left driving light and the high beam are both out. We checked the earth and both bulbs appear to be dead. How the hell did two bulbs blow at or near the same time. Anyway it is back in Friday for a look see. How hard are they to extract because I might get all 4 rep;laced at once. Could a power surge have done this from the alternator. I would have thought that a relay with fuses would prevent this ?

Oh well live and learn.

**papajam** · #6 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 04:55 AM

Yes, it's possible that two bulbs can burn out at the same time but it's pretty rare. Voltage spikes can cause burn outs too. I'd check alternator output voltage. If it's more than say 14.5 volts, the voltage regulator may need replacing.
A relay is simply an electromechanical switch. It does not offer the load any protection from overvoltage. Fuses offer no protection from overvoltage either. Fuses protect the load/circuit from excessive current (amperage).

Threealfas · #7 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 06:37 AM

Jim i this expensive and messy. My autoelectrician has already complained about accessing the bulbs once before.

cheers,

Phil

**papajam** · #8 (**permalink**) 11-27-2003, 06:46 AM

Good luck!! Let us know.

Threealfas · #9 (**permalink**) 11-28-2003, 08:36 AM

Tutti bene. Everything is sweet mate Two bulbs replaced while I waited ( assisted) and the voltage across the regulator was ok. The high beam looked like it may have been the original bulb. Cost me 20 bucks australian. Only problem is that i left the side grill at the shop, only noticed it tonight as I sat eating a kebab and talking to a mate after the pub. Oh well i will grab it on monday. Thanks for everyone advice on this.

phil

Threealfas · #10 (**permalink**) 11-29-2003, 05:05 AM

Well I spoke too soon. Both interior lights have gone T#ts up now. Ah the joys of an Alfa electrical system. It does get better right ?