Headlights full-beam

[suedehead]

Hi folks, just a quick question, noticed that although my headlights work fine normally when I switch to full beam the right hand light goes brighter as it should but the left hand light turns off. I have no idea how the headlights work as have never had a prob with them before. Is this likely to be a bulb issue or an electrical fault?

thanks in advance

[kevtherev]

swap the bulbs over to check for bulb fault

other wise clean up the connections to the headlamp

[suedehead]

Good idea Kev, really should have thought of that myself!

[Syncro G]

They have seperate main and dipped beam filiments inside the same bulb, when you select main beam the dipped beam will go out (its ment to do this otherwise the bulb will overheat). Sounds like one of your mainbeam filiments has blown so its a new bulb needed. Could be a fuse though, each beam on each side has its own fuse.

When replaceing a headlamp bulb DO NOT touch the glass of the bulb, only handle the base.

I think when buying headlamp bulbs its worth going for one of the big brands (Philips/Orsam or something) as they tend to have good light output and alignment, so they tend to work better (sometimes much better!). Also get a pair as the other side will probubly go next week, but only if you don't have a spare to replace it .

Conections/wireing are unlikely to stop the headlamps working completely (if they are how VW left them) but they are probubly the cause of the lights not being as good as they were when the van was new, so would probubly benifit from a clean. If you want to get carried away then read up on the relay modification. It will help (replaces about 3 switches with 1 [relay], so theres less voltage drop).

[kevtherev]

When replaceing a headlamp bulb DO NOT touch the glass of the bulb, only handle the base.

bit difficult with normal bayonet bulbs ...

you mean with halogens of course

[Syncro G]

When replaceing a headlamp bulb DO NOT touch the glass of the bulb, only handle the base.

bit difficult with normal bayonet bulbs ...

you mean with halogens of course

Headlamp bulbs I ment, yes! Obveously its most important you don't get greasy fingers on Quarts halogen bulbs, but non halogen bulbs won't work so well with a fingerprint in the way of the reflector eather, though it shouldn't cause the latter to fail prematurely.

As for all other bulbs, I agree, it doesn't really matter; must confess I sometimes use a clean cloth sometimes though, if ones to hand. My hands are usally covered in oil though.

[Red Westie]

New H4 Halogen required, no twisting needed.
Spring clip from behind with the three spade like connectors sticking through the rubber lamp seal.
Pull off the plug, take off the seal, push in and pull out the spring clip, swap the bulb (make sure it sits square in the lamp before refitting the spring clips)
Martin
Yup, don't touch the class but if you do properly wipe with a dry cloth.