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[Rock]

I had the warning come up on my display a few weeks ago that Head/Tail Light needed sorting.

I noticed that the n/s sidelight bulb was out so i replaced this. Subsequently the display stopped giving me warnings so i assumed all was now well in the world of illumination.
 8-)

Unfortunately i was driving at night later that day and found that my lights were totally ineffective and i couldn't see a thing unless i either put my front fogs on or put my full beam on.

I'm a little confused as to which bulb should be my headlights because all the bulbs appear to be working. As i look at the front of my car there are 3 bulbs. One on the outside near the indicator, then 2 almost one above the other.

If i put my sidelights on, the only bulbs that illuminate is the bottom one of the 2. If i turn my headlights on then the outside one near the indicators come on but not very brightly. The bottom ones of the 2 also stay on.

If i turn my Full beam on, the top ones of the 2 come on.

Does this seem like normal behaviour? I am driving to france next week and i know they are hot on headlights so i'd really appreciate any help i can get?

Is there possibly a fuse i need to change? I don't have my manual to hand to check which one it is.

Thanks in advance for any help!

[TheBoy]

The dip beam is the projector 'golf ball' one on outside near indicator.  Not sure why they would be dim though. Are they equally dim both sides?

[Rock]

I think so but will go and check.

[Rock]

Ok, i have checked and both the "golf ball" projectors are dim. They would maybe be better described as just about glowing eerily. Almost in a smoky crystal ball looking way. Certainly not bright!

Any ideas?

[TheBoy]

checked wiring diags, can't see why they should be dim. Unless there is a problem with the daylight running module, but didn't think UK cars had these.

I guess its possible that the 0v connections could be dirty, but both sides?

Hopefully someone else will have some ideas....

[Marks DTM Calib]

Can you measure the voltage across the bulb...easier on the drivers side....with the lights on....

Also pop the rubber cover off the rear behind the full beam/sidelight bulb, you should find a lever (for continental dippers), adjust this and see if there is any difference.

I have to say that I fitted some Osram Silver Star bulbs to mine for 14 quid delivered off ebay....they are much better but, do be aware they only have half the life of normal bulbs....

[Rock]

Also pop the rubber cover off the rear behind the full beam/sidelight bulb, you should find a lever (for continental dippers), adjust this and see if there is any difference.

So thats what that lever is for!! As i was playing around when changing the bulb, i popped that cover off by mistake and started to try and remove the wrong bulb. While doing so i was feeling for how to get the bulb out and wrongly thought that lever was a spring clip. I must have left it in the opposite position to how it was, and i think that is probably what was wrong. Have changed it back now and it certainly seems better. Will be able to tell for certain in about 4 hours time!

Thanks guys again for your help!

[megaomega123]

ooops    Sounds like just the sort of thing I would do