Hi, I have a 1991 golf 1.8 carb with a confusing problem...

The N/S headlamp bulb is not working. The bulb is definitely fine as it
works when swapped over to the driver's side. I have tested the N/S
bulb connector contacts with a multimeter and I have >12v being
supplied to the bulb (identically to the O/S), so I am totally confused
as to why it won't work. The only thing I can think of is somehow a
lack of current being supplied to the bulb connector, but how do I test
for this?

Any ideas from anyone??? Your help would be MUCH appreciated!

Thanks,

Craig

crj80 (AT) yahoo (DOT) co.uk wrote:

Try it with the bulb connected. If you have a poor connection or a
burnt-out switch contact that is resistive, that 12v will drop an awful
lot on-load.

<crj80 (AT) yahoo (DOT) co.uk> wrote:

If you are getting power to the connector, then I'd check continuity on
the earth.
--
Jon B
Above email address IS valid.
<http://www.bramley-computers.co.uk/> Apple Laptop Repairs.

If the 12V isn't across the headlight bulb when it's meant to be on, it must be
across somewhere else - that's where the bad connection is.

I had a frustrating problem with my old Polo recently - no dipped beam after
driving for a while, but dim-dip worked when sidelights selected with ignition
on.
One of the connectors had come adrift below the fuse-box. Could be there's a
loose connection somewhere for you.
Do the simple things first before looking into inaccessible places!

--
Dave.
UK VW Type 3 & 4 Club
http://www.hallvw.clara.co.uk/
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<crj80 (AT) yahoo (DOT) co.uk> wrote

On 15 Dec 2006 08:51:09 -0800, crj80 (AT) yahoo (DOT) co.uk wrote:

You need to test the voltage with the bulb in the circuit... Any other
test is useless.

Thanks for the quick response everyone. I have tested earth continuity
on both negative pins and that is fine. I have just measured the
voltage with bulb in connector, and I have 0v when the switch is on.
Does this mean I just need to replace the connector or could the
problem be elsewhere you think? If so, is there a way I can trace it?

Thanks,

Craig

crj80 wrote:
system, the dim-dip relay. Check the connector anyway, and the fuses and
fusebox for dirt or corrosion.

Funny you should say that as I just pulled the fuse out (didn't bother
checking it before seeing as I had 12v to the switch) and it is quite
corroded. Swapped it with the other headlight fuse and it works! Weird
thing is, swapping them round makes them both work?? I'm gonna pick up
a couple of new ones anyway.

Really appreciate the advice here so thanks.

You've just knocked off the corrosion I expect.
Cheapest repair around - apart from replugging the connectors in properly!

--
Dave.
UK VW Type 3 & 4 Club
http://www.hallvw.clara.co.uk/
------
"crj80" <crj80 (AT) yahoo (DOT) co.uk> wrote

On 16 Dec 2006 04:17:26 -0800, "crj80" <crj80 (AT) yahoo (DOT) co.uk> wrote:

Could be the connector, fuse/circuit breaker, wire, or other
connector(s) in the circuit. You'll have to back probe down the line
until you find the fault.

Having a *good* (say a Bentley or factory) diagram will be worth its
weight in gold!