Headlight Main Beam/Flash

[NMB]

All,

So part of my MOT checks found that my headlight flash isn't working as is the main beam (shows how often I drive in the dark!!!)

So my fault diagnostics have been fuses which are all fine and I then reverted to VIDA and I can activate the headlights through VIDA activations. As this is the case, it is my assumption that the lights work correctly and it must be the switch.

Agree?

I have therefore purchased a replacement indicator switch from a breaker and this did not fix the issue - they still don't work..

So, did I buy a duff switch and I need to buy again or should I be looking anywhere else to perhaps a relay, etc?

Your thoughts and comments are always welcomed and appreciated.

Kindest,

Nigel.

[owenfackrell]

Are you saying that both the flash and main beam are not working?

[SkipjackUK]

have you checked what position the selector switch is in?

if you don't have it in the correct position the stalk doesn't 'lock' the main beam in position, only allows flash

[NMB]

Originally Posted by SkipjackUK

have you checked what position the selector switch is in?

if you don't have it in the correct position the stalk doesn't 'lock' the main beam in position, only allows flash

Great thinking!! Sadly the switch is in the correct position and i dont even get a flash

[SwissXC90]

You have VIDA, use it

Activate the bulbs individually
Check the switch inputs individually

If all switch inputs are correct and the the relay properly activates the headlamps correctly, then it is a CEM or LSM problem, as the CEM controls the relays from signals generated by the LSM

[NMB]

Originally Posted by SwissXC90

You have VIDA, use it

Activate the bulbs individually
Check the switch inputs individually

If all switch inputs are correct and the the relay properly activates the headlamps correctly, then it is a CEM or LSM problem, as the CEM controls the relays from signals generated by the LSM

Hi Swiss, Thanks for your input as always.

From VIDA they activate from the activations section hence why I replaced the switch - but with no solution still.

There are no other CEM-related issues so with no sunroof or other issues i'd be surprised if it was that but it's not out of the question ofc.

Not sure what LSM is though?

[SwissXC90]

LSM = Light Switch Module, the piece of electronics that the light switch is physically mounted to

[NMB]

I thought that i would update this thread as I have found the issue.

I had previously bought a single indicator stalk from a breaker and that did not fix the issue so I was left wondering whether I cought a dud switch or perhapps that there was a wider issue undiscovered.

So I decided to buy another indicator stalk, this time on the base plate (incase that was damaged) and on fittment the light flash and main beam works perfectly.

So fixed!!!

Hope this helps.

[KAMXC90]

I have same issue, auto-elec advised as the CEM is car specific, best to wire in a floor mounted foot switch and dash led to indicate when is activated. Yikes is that really the best solution??
Can the CEM be repaired???

[Moose Test]

Originally Posted by KAMXC90

Yikes is that really the best solution??

No, not by a country mile. I'd struggle to consider anyone to be a qualified and experienced auto-electrician, if they had presented me with that nonsense as their conclusion.

Originally Posted by KAMXC90

Can the CEM be repaired???

Possibly, and that would be the route which I would pursue IF the CEM is actually defective. Mind you, given the rubbish you've been spun already, I wouldn't necessarily agree at face value with their conclusion that the CEM is defective. Did they use VIDA to attempt activation of the main beams, as per the previous OP's posts in this thread? Other than by careful and methodical process of elimination, it's the only way to be certain.

Assuming it is defective, there are companies who can make repairs and which, by many accounts on this site, are usually very successful. Since I've never needed and thus never employed their services, I will mention no names lest it be taken as an endorsement - but if you search this forum for CEM repairs, then you'll find them.

Good luck.