Headlight relay?

[CliveRothwell]

series 3 xj6 1985 car

Trying to sort none - functioning inner main headights. I THINK the wiring is OK. - blue and white for power, black to earth. Pulling the L/H stalk doesn't get the relay to click. Does any body have a clue on how to test the relay (other than substitution)? Fuses OK

They did work a while ago prior to removal of the bonnet for a new one and the chance to re-new the inner bowls and dodgy wiring seemed like a good idea.

For what it's worth, the O/S outer bulb does not go onto main beam either................

[PaulGover]

I've taken the headlight relay apart in the past. You need a thin-bladed screwdriver to flex the cover over the small retaining lugs on the base. As far as I recall (it was years ago) the mechanism is pretty primitive and it's surprising how long the thing works without problems! A bit of contact cleaning and greasing the pivot sorted my problem.

[CliveRothwell]

That's a good tip Paul - I'll give it a shot. I assumed they were sealed units.............thanks!

[almcl]

Clive

There's quite a good description and pics of refurbing the headlight relay here:

http://www.jag-lovers.org/v.htm?1080778679

[CliveRothwell]

Excellent Al! Many thanks - can you stop it from raining as well?

[CliveRothwell]

A really good web link Al, thanks. 4 days later, every connection cleaned, full continuity, 12v where it needs to be, Relay OK, 4 main beam lights but still no dip. Just booked it into an auto electrician - I'd sooner be driving it rather than messing with it any further! (This is partly why I put it into storage and bought the XJS which IS brilliant day in day out!)

[CliveRothwell]

Yup - dodgy relay plus a burnt wire and enough tidying to make it a bill of £200 once they had added VAT

Still, I'll be able to see it rusting in the dark now!