Headlights Acting Funny

[CaptainK 11]

My headlights on the 205 are acting a bit funny in the cold weather. When I turn the headlights on (dipped beam) in the morning the drivers side comes on immediately (dipped & sidelight) but the passenger side only comes onto sidelight immediately then the dipped beam comes on a few seconds up to a minute later. All bulbs are standard fitment 205 bulbs from Halfords.

 

This doesn't happen all the time, but I've noticed it does this first thing in the morning when its cold. I'm not too bothered about it as it always comes on before I actually leave my road that is street-lit, but I'm just interested to know why it does this.

 

Any ideas?

 

EDIT: Oh and I should point out then when they are all on they never go out again until I turned them off, even when driving over bumps and stuff. So its not a loose connection.

Edited December 17, 2010 by CaptainK

[Anthony 1,003]

Poor earth on the passenger side headlight panel earth would be my suggestion

[smithy 1]

Poor earth on the passenger side headlight panel earth would be my suggestion

 

agreed i found the earth blocks on mine to be in poor condition due to location so they would be my first port of call.

[CaptainK 11]

Poor earth on the passenger side headlight panel earth would be my suggestion

Thanks. I'll have a look when I dig the 205 out from under the snow. I've been away for a few days and came back to a good 5-6 inches of snow. Been driving the FTO since as it was with me when I was away and thus isn't snowed in parked up a small road thats not been gritted / cleared.

 

Out of interest, exactly where might I find this earthing point ? Coincidentally I did change the bulb in that light a few weeks back now so I'm wondering if I knocked something.

[swordfish210 20]

The earth points are on the front panel on the radiator side of the headlights. They're plastic connectors with yellow plugs connected to them with lots of green wires going in to them. Sorry i don't have a pic but you can't miss them really.

[CaptainK 11]

The earth points are on the front panel on the radiator side of the headlights. They're plastic connectors with yellow plugs connected to them with lots of green wires going in to them. Sorry i don't have a pic but you can't miss them really.

Aha! The dreaded yellow connectors. Yeah, I know those connectors - ages ago I used to think they were the connectors for the radiator fan because coincidentally when I wobbled them the radiator fan would stop and start.

 

I'll have a look soon but been busy with Christmas and with all the snow down here the 205 hasn't been used as it was covered in snow up a little side road that doesn't get gritted / shovelled. Poor thing

[jackherer 543]

The rad fan earths there too so it wasn't a coincidence.

[CaptainK 11]

The rad fan earths there too so it wasn't a coincidence.

Aha ! Every day is a learning day thanks.

[CaptainK 11]

Just a quick note to say thanks. Finally got to drive my 205 the other day and before I did I checked the yellow connector as instructed above. It wasn't loose or anything and was securely in place. However I wiggled it out a bit and pushed it back in anyways and now the problem has fixed itself it seems.

 

It wasn't loose or unsecured before and is back where it was before, but somehow its fixed. No matter, I'm glad its happy now - so thanks to you all

[welshpug 1,666]

You will have dislodged some corrosion from the contacts of the plug, I would take the plug apart and clean up or replace the terminals when you get a chance

[CaptainK 11]

You will have dislodged some corrosion from the contacts of the plug, I would take the plug apart and clean up or replace the terminals when you get a chance

Aha! Thanks Chief