Headlight Resistor - headlights not working

[moby dick]

My headlights have stopped working - dipped and and main beam (the sidelights are still working) a mate who is a mechanic says that there is a resistor for the headlights (just behind the headlight on the drivers side) that has corroded and needs replacing. Any ideas on where to get one? Do the dealers still do these. Just tried to call them but they closed 

[CARPY25]

thats the dim dip resistor , if you dis connect it the dip and main beam still work so don't think it will be that

its green round tube thing with a connector at each end

http://www.ebay.co.uk/dsc/i.html?_nkw=mk+2+golf+dim+dip+resistor&_sacat=0&_odkw=mk+2+golf+dim+dip+resistor&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313&LH_TitleDesc=1

this is a later one i think you dont need one if you use higher wattage bulbs you disconnect it or it could burn out

don't think this is your problem check headlight switch and the wiring behind that known to burn out loads

Rob

[X4MGS]

It's called the Dim-Dip Part no 7D0959263 (according to ETKA & still available @ around £30.00)

[moby dick]

Thanks guys, that's great.

[molegti]

It wont be the dim dip resistor though mines unplugged and I still have headlamps. Have you checked the bulbs?

[moby dick]

Yep bulbs are fine

[molegti]

Id still suspect just about anything before the dim dip resistor. If you have a multimeter you can check if there is power going to the lamps and whether the headlamp switch works.

[moby dick]

Been to auto electrician and it was the indicator arm that was the culprit. I had a spare in a box of bits and it now works perfectly. Thanks for all the suggestions. One question; it wasn't the dim dip resistor, but if the lights work with disconnected, what does it do?

[mattkh]

One question; it wasn't the dim dip resistor, but if the lights work with disconnected, what does it do?

Hi
The original VW system thinking was that when you turn the sidelights ON, a small current should also be sent to the headlights so that the headlights became very very slightly lit up. This resistor reduced the current for that.

[jmsheahan]

Get/make yourself an uprated loom with relays that go straight from the battery. Even when the lights are working, without this mk2 headlights are so poor! It's money well spent.

I seem to recall reading about dim dip resistor wires rubbing on the chassis leg and shorting out taking the whole loom with it  :undecided