Odd Sidelight Problem; 1989 Cti

[lagonda 42]

I've noticed for a while that when I've switched the sidelights on, that the dash illumination hasn't lit up. I assumed the sidelights were coming on...but they're not.

If I put the headlights on, the dash lights up...if I then turn the headlights off, the dash stays lit & the sidelights stay lit.

Anyone come across a fault like this?! Suggestions as to how to fix it would be welcome.

 

Another issue I have is that the excitor wire from the alternator is disconnected due to usual crappy connections in the brown multiplug. This means no charging until I hit around 3200rpm. Not on topic but thought I'd mention it in case there's a connection (haha). I would like to sort that properly as well....I know the wire goes up the loom to the ignition warning light, so is presumably one of those in the large plastic conduit passing between the cambelt cover & engine mounting. Which colour wire should I be looking for? Got in mind to separate it out & run it directly to the alternator.

[Anthony 1,003]

Not one I've seen before, and the only obvious things that I can think is the headlight stalk is playing up (seen very odd behaviour with high beam functionality before from a dodgy stalk) or perhaps the dim-dip, although I can't immediately think how the later could result in the fault that you're seeing.