Headlights keep switching off?!

[Tubb]

Been having some problem with my dipped beams - basically they work fine for a couple of minutes then switch off on their own. If i then put the main beam on for a minute or two the dippeded beams work fine again for a few minutes then they switch off again.
Also sometimes switching the dipped beams off then back on using the headlight switch works, but only for a few minutes.

Is there anything i can check to find out whats going on? Ive tried numerous bulbs and headlight switches.

[Ben Lessani]

Unhook the dim/dip coil and see what effect it has - its on the left hand side of the bay mounted to the chassis leg, looks like a heat element.

Are you running uprated / standard loom?

[Tubb]

i had a look at that to check that the wires hadnt rubbed through onto the chassis leg but it looks fine - does it unplug from the loom? i thought it was hard wired in?

its a standard loom.

[Ben Lessani]

I'd take the opportunity just to upgrade your lights.

Pre-built looms are buttons on eBay.

[Tubb]

ok, just unplugged the dim/dip thingy and that had no effect

is there anything else i can check before i make up a new loom?

[Ben Lessani]

There's no obvious reason why they should work, then just turn off.

Maybe check the relay?

[Tubb]

i didnt think there was a relay for the headlights? just straight through the headlight switch ont he dash.

[Ben Lessani]

Lol, not actually sure!

If your existing problem is load based, then a new loom will fix it. If its not - then a new loom will do the exact same thing.

Make sure the contacts are clean on the headlight switch and seated properly. Failing that, rule out the switch by manually bridging the pins.

[Tubb]

good idea, i'll try bridging the pins tomorrow and make up a new loom
thanks 

[rubjonny]

no relays for the lights, all voltage goes thru the headlight switch. id get a new switch first, if your light switch is dodgy it could cause a loom fire at any time.  if that fixes it then make an uprated headlight loom to stop the new one going the same way!
just note there are at least 3 headlight switches available depending on the year, so count the headlight switch pins and make sure the replacement has the same number!