Help Automatic Dimming Lights Crazy Japs

[ukviha]

Hi there, hope someone can help with some information.
I have an import surf 1991 2.4td and am about to MOT and register but it has lights that dim automatically when at rest ie traffic lights or in park mode, the minute the car moves it goes bright again.
I was sure it was an earth fault but have been told it is Japanese custom not to shine headlights at traffic lights etc and is there on purpose
Will it affect the |MOT on the car and is it going to need to be changed and if so is it a big job...........................

[Silversurfer]

Automatic Dimming Lights

Hi Ukviha

Yes it will fail the MOT. Apart from the rolling road brake test the MOT is a stationary test so the tester will assume the headlights don't work.
I would have to guess that the feed to the headlight relay is wired through a speed sensor and needs to be disconnected. The headlights are fused seperately after the relay so the sensor(if that's what it is) would most likely be wired to the relay coil between the column switch and the relay feed.
I have had a quick look at the wiring diagram for the Surf and no auto dimming headlights are shown - I have never heard of this before.
Be aware that the headlights are wired as earth return ie: the switch is in the earth side of the headlight wiring so you need to disconnect the battery to isolate the switch/relay
You can find wiring diagrams for the Surf at the URL below and I don't think it will be too difficult for a half decent auto-electrician to sort it out.

http://www.afm15.dial.pipex.com/surfpictures/Techy.htm

Hope this helps

Silversurfer

[huff_diggler]

Hi Ukviha



http://www.afm15.dial.pipex.com/surfpictures/Techy.htm

Hope this helps

Silversurfer

how cool are you, wicked info mate, cheers

[MattF]

Get your batteries checked.

[Apache]

Was just thinking that Matt...

As the engine goes to idle, the alternator probably isn't able to support the lighting load due to duff batteries, hence the dimming lights.

Any high-five gif?

[MattF]

Was just thinking that Matt...

As the engine goes to idle, the alternator probably isn't able to support the lighting load due to duff batteries, hence the dimming lights.

Any high-five gif?

Hate to admit this, but I didn't have, and I can only find this one so far. (There was another one, but it appeared decidedly gay).