R129 300 SL 1991

[Garista]

So my headlights went out, first the low beams, then later the highs, happened when I was switching from low to high beam using the combination stalk on the steering column. There is no electric at the fuses but they are not blown. I put in new bulbs on both, the old ones look fine though, still no headlights. I know there is the relay behind the fuse box, I looked at it, it looks nice but I cannot get it out to check it. My thought is that the problem is likely with the stalk, do you chaps agree? New second hand ones are quite pricey so I am checking. The general wiring is in good condition. No problems at the connections to the bulbs. The running lights work. Fogs work. Rear lights work.

 

[LostKiwi]

Check for 12v at the relay. If there's no 12v at the relay on any pin the stalk isn't your problem.
If 12v is present then stalk is the likely culprit.

 

[Garista]

Thanks, ok I will try to get at the relay again. It seems difficult because it is half under the sill and it is long, no space to pull it up enough. Does it just disconnect if I pull it? I don't want to force it. I thought of pulling out the whole thing in its frame.

 

[Garista]

I assume the relay is the one on the right. I just can't get it out, anyone know the trick?

 

[Garista]

Ok I managed to get the cradle out, pulling up and to the front of car, then pushed out the lights relay from underneath it. Now the relay is disconnected from the connectors. I will test to see if 12V arrives at the relay on any of the pins. I suppose that's right? Gulp. Ha ha.

 

[Garista]

OK!! I do have 12V at about 4 or 5 of the central connectors to the relay. Nothing on the other two.
So, I guess this means the stalk is the likely problem? Wish I could get my head round why at the moment.

 

[Garista]

I had started work to try removing the steering wheel, with no airbag. This is what it looks like:

 

[LostKiwi]

Sounds like the stalk then.
One other thing worth trying is does headlight flash operate?
Also do you hear the relay click as you change high to low beam and vice versa?
Stalks wear out. They're a mechanical device after all.

 

[Garista]

No the flasher doesn't work either. The high beams worked for a little longer than the low beams but then they stopped, and the flasher stopped plus the blue light on the dash. I haven't been able to hear the relay click, no. I will try it.

Under the steering wheel it looks like condensation has caused some discolouration on some screws that could cause electrical problems, it would fit with the car being in a field for a year, with little airing out etc. The relay and wiring looks very good, but that doesn't mean much I know.

 

[Garista]

Managed to test the relay when back in the next day. Turned on ignition, put lights on, used the dipper, flasher, no clicking from the relay. No lights still.
I suppose it is the combination stalk so going to try to remove it to check it is the same one before buying a replacement.

 

[Garista]

Well I just cannot undo the hex bolt in the centre of the steering wheel, I have two bits of wood holding the wheel still, and I'm using a large breaker bar, plus I tried my impact wrench, but no good, I feel as though if I apply any more force something else will break. Any ideas?

 

[LostKiwi]

Perseverance I think is the only way.

 

[Garista]

Perseverance I think is the only way.

Ok LKW, thanks for the input by the way.