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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: VWnut on 06 November 2003, 19:01

Title: burning smell
Post by: VWnut on 06 November 2003, 19:01

Hi chaps,
I get a burning plastic smell when my lights are on main beam. Its goes away if i switch my lights to dipped. The smell seems to be coming from behind the speedo. I want to know if this is a common fault before i start pulling the dash apart?
Cheers
Tom

Title: Re:burning smell
Post by: golfvr6 on 07 November 2003, 00:07

I would take it apart, as anything cooking isn't healthy!

Title: Re:burning smell
Post by: Ant on 07 November 2003, 00:12

Pull it apart and check the wires (most likely the wire plastics melting under high current) , especially check for any coiled wires as these act like an inductior (heater).

Title: Re:burning smell
Post by: golfvr6 on 07 November 2003, 00:22

Make sure the circuit has the proper fuse as the whole loom might end up being cooked.

Title: Re:burning smell
Post by: Ant on 07 November 2003, 01:11

True.

Thinking about it the relays would be a good thing to check as well.

Title: Re:burning smell
Post by: VWnut on 07 November 2003, 16:00

cheers chaps, i pull it all out this weekend, not looking forward to it though!

Title: Re:burning smell
Post by: Ant on 07 November 2003, 16:39

Start with the fuses and relays cause you don't need to remove the dash for access.

Title: Re:burning smell
Post by: VWnut on 07 November 2003, 17:03

Okey doke. I'll check the switch as well while i'm at it.

Title: Re:burning smell
Post by: richandhazel on 07 November 2003, 20:11

What size headlight bulbs have you got fitted? Check this first!
Those symptoms sound like someone has fitted 100W bulbs and its now burning out your wiring.......you'd be amazed how common this problem is :o

Fitting 100W bulbs without the necessary harness/relay won't blow your fuse but it will slowly cook your wiring  :'(

Title: Re:burning smell
Post by: VWnut on 07 November 2003, 21:49

Arse, cheers Richard. I hope it is as simple as that. My lights seem very dim, wouldn't 100w bulbs be quite a bit brighter than the standard?

Title: Re:burning smell
Post by: richandhazel on 07 November 2003, 22:38

100w bulbs would be brighter assuming the loom is all OK. Just be well worth checking..........just in case.
Possibly they have been fitted in the past and the damage has already been done.............lets hope not.  :-\