Headlamp problem

[Johnm400]

Hi folks, new member here.

I have a little 2001 K11 that i was given by a family member who stopped driving. I use it for everyday running about, going to work etc. Cracking little economical car that im hoping to keep on the road as long as possible. My other car is a MK4 Toyota Supra which i only use for pleasure when the weather is dry so it stays tucked up in the garage most of the time.

Anyway, i have a problem with the K11. When i put the headlamps on, only one comes on (N/S). I thought it was the bulb but i changed that and its still the same. However, if i turn the headlamp switch back slightly both headlamps come on so it is obviously a faulty headlamp switch/stalk. My question is, is this a common problem and is it possible to take the switch apart and repair or am i better off just getting another from the breakers yard?

Thanks, John

 

[bls]

I would replace the stalk from the scrappy, haven’t Experienced this particular problem before, when my light failed the problem was a corroded contact in the fuse box

 

[.Maarten]

Yes you can clean the contacts in the switch. Also check the bulb connectors. They can meld.

 

[Johnm400]

I would replace the stalk from the scrappy, haven’t Experienced this particular problem before, when my light failed the problem was a corroded contact in the fuse box

Yeah i did think of checking the fuses but if a fuse was bad, it surely wouldnt come on when turning the headla

Yes you can clean the contacts in the switch. Also check the bulb connectors. They can meld.

Last time i took an indicator stalk apart back in the 90s, a load of small contacts and bits fell out and i couldnt work out how to get it back together. Ive ordered one off a scrapper on ebay. Was only about 14 quid delivered so if that works fine ill have a go at taking the faulty one apart.

 

[bls]

Mine is an older 94 slx, it was an annoying problem at the time because the live feed to the headlight fuse was rusted underneath the fuse box inside the connection, I had to cut the wire out and reroute a new safe live supply

 

[Johnm400]

Mine is an older 94 slx, it was an annoying problem at the time because the live feed to the headlight fuse was rusted underneath the fuse box inside the connection, I had to cut the wire out and reroute a new safe live supply

Well it seems i too must have a similar problem. I changed the stalk for a second hand one and its still the same. I have now found that moving the loom that runs down the steering column makes the lights come on. I am now looking at a broken wire or bad connection somewhere behind the stalk area.

Is there a wiring diagram online for the lighting system?

 

[Johnm400]

Right folks, ive fixed this problem now. I cant understand why nobody else seems to of come across this fault as both my indicator stalk and the one i got from a scrapper had the exact same problem. The contacts in the switch needed cleaning. They are spring loaded and stick due to old dried grease from the factory. You need to clean all the old grease off and make sure the contacts are free to move on their springs. I did this and now the lights work perfectly every time. To disassemble the switch there are about 6-8 tabs that need to be pushed in, once you split the switch you will see how the headlamp mechanism works. Its fairly simple. Just open it carefully over a table so nothing falls out and gets lost.

 

[MattInARedMicra]

Seems to be an uncommon issue, almost all light problems people have had with the micra k11 are due to the plastic headlight connector melting - that would cause the same issue - one headlight that only comes on intermittently

Is it possible that it's from the cars being stood for a while and moisture getting in there?

 

[Johnm400]

Seems to be an uncommon issue, almost all light problems people have had with the micra k11 are due to the plastic headlight connector melting - that would cause the same issue - one headlight that only comes on intermittently

Is it possible that it's from the cars being stood for a while and moisture getting in there?

I dont think it was moisture related. It was more to do with the grease in the switch drying out and becoming sticky. Perhaps the colder weather was causing the grease to become even more viscous? The contacts wernt moving freely in there spring loaded holders. Since i cleaned the switch out it has been perfect.