Technical Punto Main Beam Bulb Problem

[Dave63256]

My nearside main beam light stopped working recently. I changed the bulb, but that didn't work. I changed the fuses, and that didn't work either. I've tried cleaning up the connections but they looked as good as new before I even started. Any ideas or suggestions would be really appreciated.

BTW - I am planning to take the bulb back to the shop that sold it to me to ask them to check it, but it's closed for the day now, so I thought I'd ask here just in case there was something else that I was missing.

With many thanks in advance.

 

[Ziggy122]

Do you have a multi-meter?

If so
Check the bulb for continuity / Resistance, both will show if the bulb is faulty
Double check the fuse as well -it might have a hairline crack = popped, but you cant see that

As check the voltage at the plug for the headlight bulb

So switch on headlights - test for 12v
Dont worry if you get 11.6v for example, when the engine is off the voltage does drop

Ziggy

 

[fingers99]

Alternatively, try the bulb in the other side!

 

[benny279]

i had this problem before, but it was down to me being forgetful in my so old age, not that im that old yet

i was doing some electrical jobs on the car and it was due for mot retest and i forgot to O/S main beam fuse back in, funny part i checked fuses and still didn't click on until last minute checked handbook fuse goes there i was like oh poop sake :bang:

Benny

 

[Dave63256]

Hello Ziggy. No, I'm afraid I don't have a multi meter, but thanks all the same.

Thanks too Benny. I've put new fuses in and they went in the same place as the old ones came out of. It didn't solve the problem.

Fingers99 - that's a bloody good idea!! I'll try that in the morning.

Much appreciated everybody.

 

[Dave63256]

I changed the bulb from the nearside to the offside as fingers suggested and it worked on the offside. Having changed both of the 10 amp fuses, my local motor parts dealer has suggested calling in an auto-electrician....aye, at £25 a throw just for opening the bonnet I think I'd prefer to delve deeper into the electrics myself.

I don't consider myself a tightfisted old git, but I am extremely reluctant to pay out the sort of money an auto-electrician askes for when I am absolutely certain that the problem is something fiddly like a mucky or rotted spade terminal hidden somewhere out of view.

So I am back again to ask if anyone can give me any pointers on how to look underneath the fusebox, or, where the best place to start looking for the other end of the nearside main beam electrical wire would be?

 

[Ziggy122]

i think best bet is to buy yourself a decent multimeter my friend

so you can see whats what

ziggy

 

[Dave63256]

They are cheap enough to buy Ziggy but how would I use it to identify what the problem is?

 

[Ziggy122]

They are cheap enough to buy Ziggy but how would I use it to identify what the problem is?

i'd be probing the terminals in the fuse box
1 will be getting 12v when earthed = Getting power
The other side will be going to the light - so a resistance check or continuity would show up a snapped wire

And again with the other terminal on the light = Shows the light has no earth if a snapped wire

However - if you dont know how to use basics of it, some handy youtubes probably might help here on how to use


Ziggy