(T) side light problem

when i put the side lights on the headlights come on very faintly checked earths and changed bulbs still same any ideas

you sure it's the headlights coming on and not the reflection of the side lights?

This sounds just like the thread with the failed headlamp connector. When it went on my car the symptom was very weak headlights due to high resistance in the connector and wires. Check if the connector looks burnt or dodgy, and find a second hand replacement.

ive checked the conectors they seem fine when the side lights on there is 7volts at the head light plug could it be a faulty switch

Maybe I misread the original post - you're saying that the headlights sort of come on (7 Volts) when you only select sidelights.

Your idea about the switch is a good one - the stalk can often give problems internally. Usually it affects the indicator circuit - you hear it clicking when you haven't operated the switch. I guess it's the left-hand stalk for both circuits....

It's fairly easy to change the stalk over, but make sure you get the correct one because they are different for airbag and non-airbag cars.

ive changed the stalk today still same when i unplugged both headlight bulbs and check the earth the black wire is a good earth but also the green wire seems to a very weak earth just lights the test light very faintly this is with ignition off then if i plug one bulb back in the oposite plug all three wires seem to be earths