Brights arent working and low-beams take a while to turn on

[johnhup]

Something tells me I need to get a new light switch(stalk) but I just wanted it to run it by the group. I have an early '73 so I dont have any relay under the hood.

My brights havent been working for some time now but recently my low beams started lagging, as in I flip the switch and the lights take a few minutes to come on. I think my switch is going.

I was thinking this may be a good opportunity to upgrade to H4's. Thoughts? Where do you guys buy them?

[kenkoy214]

Something tells me I need to get a new light switch(stalk) but I just wanted it to run it by the group. I have an early '73 so I dont have any relay under the hood.

My brights havent been working for some time now but recently my low beams started lagging, as in I flip the switch and the lights take a few minutes to come on. I think my switch is going.

I was thinking this may be a good opportunity to upgrade to H4's. Thoughts? Where do you guys buy them?

Maybe you'll be needing upgrades for your low/high beam since you're thinking of installing H4s. Try this link [http://74.125.155.132/search?q=cache:yMoDIsnMGl4J:www.bmw2002faq.com/content/view/50/32/+bmw+2002+headlight+relay&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us]

[johnhup]

Anyone have a light stalk I could have or buy?

[John_in_VA]

Are you sure you have no relays for your lights?

[johnhup]

Are you sure you have no relays for your lights?

Sounds crazy right? The only relay I have is an old circular horn relay. My car is an early '73 so maybe that has something to do with it?

[kenkoy214]

early models have no relay.

[Mike Self]

IIRC the low/high beam switch on all the US roundies is the same; only the knob on the end is different on the modell 71 cars from the earlier ones.

You might be able to resurrect your current switch by taking it off the steering column and giving it a good cleaning either with tuner cleaner or brake cleaner. Then a little light lube (white grease like you'd use for a fishing reel) and you'll hopefully be back in business.

If not a good used one should be pretty easy to score--they don't die very often...

BTW, if you're gonna add higher wattage headlights, you definitely need a relay--at least for the high beams (they're not even fused on a 73). I did a how to column on that installation years ago; if you want a copy let me know...

cheers

mike

[johnhup]

I just ordered new H4 lights, e-code housings, and all the relays I need to upgrade. Thanks for the tip on the switch. Im hoping I can save it.

[02hobiedave]

I bought this one real good quality and I trimed the excess and it works like a champ. http://www.eautoworks.com/product-eAutoWorkscom-189849.htm I think it was 25 with shipping. Its a great upgrade I did ti to my 72.

dave

[Delia]

Check the plug-in connector under the column to make sure it has a good connection. Sometimes they work loose. With the lights on, check and see if the connector is a bit warm -- a warm connector means a poor connection.

D

[johnhup]

So after debugging for a while I have come up with a few conclusions and even more questions. I just cant tell why the brights dont come on.

Here's what I know:

1. I have an early '73 so no relay

2. My stalk works. I can see the dash light for the brights come on. The same happens when I bypass the stalk and use a jumper wire.

What's next in the circuit? Do have a bad wire somewhere?