e30 headlights intermittent fault!

[selespeed]

this is really annoying which i endure for over 2 months... when i start the car and pull out the knob to turn on the headlight, the lights are not on, only shows DIM or parking light however, when the engine is hot and running for 1/2 hour, it works fine. turn off headlights and turn it on again would work fine. however, after returning from dinner and try to turn on lights, doesn't work again. i have to 'play' with the switch to pull the knob in and out to finally get it like say after 5 minutes. however, when the car is 'hot', and once the lights are already on, turning off and turning on again seems to work normally what went wrong? any of you guys experiencing this unique peculiar problem? please help! longhorne30m40

 

[chairoger]

Not exactly the same prob with you but should be the headlamp socket giving you problem. Get a 2nd hand unit or order from AB.

 

[teejay]

there maybe a grounding problem as you mentioned after the engine is heated up - heat will expand metal, so my best bet are the grounding points - check the point in the engine bay on the passenger side just behind the headlights, remove the socket sand it down give it a little spray of wd40, screw it back.......good as new

you could also check relays on the fusebox

 

[selespeed]

thanks teejay and roger;

hmmm... i got the second socket but it's still the same problem. perhaps it's due to grouding and need to check it.

BTW, which is fuse for the headlight? it works when engine is hot but not when it's cold. how would fuse be a problem?

thanks.

longhorn

 

[teejay]

if it was fused, you won't have any lights at all
heat expands metal, when it expands, there is contact, when there is no heat no contact......other than that, there is the rust part, heat will conduct the electricity in contact, but rust will prevent electrical conductivity

dont bother about the fuse, you can check all of it if you wish, just in case
fuse number 1&2, relays no K3&K4

 

[selespeed]

thanks teejay

 

[selespeed]

sorry, just side track a bit. how do i track messages on my posts? i dont seem to be able to do it!

thanks

 

[selespeed]

there maybe a grounding problem as you mentioned after the engine is heated up - heat will expand metal, so my best bet are the grounding points - check the point in the engine bay on the passenger side just behind the headlights, remove the socket sand it down give it a little spray of wd40, screw it back.......good as new

you could also check relays on the fusebox

teejay;

i could not find the grounding point... my battery is on the driver side. where is the grounding point, huh?