9 replies to this topic

[tommobot]

I've always had silly headlight issues, but car has been off the road for a while and seems to have got worse.

Headlight wise, im getting silly stuff like lights turning off when on full beam etc... I think apart from 1 light everything does at least something.

At the rear,rear light works but no brakes. No fog or reverse either.

I utterly hate electrics, any suggestions on best place to start. Is there any way I can remove each cluster and bench test them individually?

Am I right in thinking that the lights use the 'main' grounding points for the car?

Any help more than welcome!

[Horace]

If you have problems with all lights, not just specific ones, then that points to a common earth issue.  I'd start with the battery terminals and make sure they are firmly tightened and in good order.  Also make sure the battery is firmly anchored, as it can intermittently short out the terminals if not.

[BrynCope]

you need to change the light control unit ,i do not see another option .

Edited by BrynCope, 09 July 2020 - 07:33 AM.

[tommobot]

What and where is the light control unit?

I'll give all the earth points a check and clean when it stops raining...

[sford]

What and where is the light control unit?

I'll give all the earth points a check and clean when it stops raining...

 

Before replacing anything check all the earth points and the terminals. Also check the cables haven't rubbed away in the front. Check all the connectors as well and give them a liberal dosing of contact cleaner. 

[tommobot]

Urgh, trying to remove the rear one.. poor access and it just spins endlessly.

Probably loosened it enough that it wont tighten up enough... Fun fun fun

[Arno]

You'll have broken loose the rivnut that's fitted in the alu beam.

 

This actually doesn't provide the ground path (often Lotus fits a coated/insulated type), but the special stepped washer and a section of anodisation that has been removed around the rivnut is the contact/ground path to the chassis:

 

 

Find a small child (or someone else with 'dainty' hands )  and then you can usually grip the back of the rivnut with some pliers to be able to unscrew the bolt completely. Drill out the rivnut or grind/sand it's head/collar off so you can push it back. You can retrieve the stub from the back.

 

Then clean up the area very well and make sure there's no corrosion on the chassis contact area and on the stepped washer. Also check the cable ends for corrosion and the big ground cable to the gearbox for fraying and secure fit/crimp of the cable into the shoe.

 

Then either fit a new rivnut (and add a drop of threadlock on the collar before setting it) or use a plain nut and bolt to refit the whole stack of stepped washer, cable ends and top washer(s) and do it all up tight.

 

Finally coat the fully assembled ground point in some protective coating like a vaseline spray-on or a waxoyl type wax coat. That keeps moisture out of the connection and reduces corrosion. Make sure to also spray the back of the bolt and (riv)nut in the chassis beam cavity.

 

Bye, Arno.

[tommobot]

You'll have broken loose the rivnut that's fitted in the alu beam.

 

This actually doesn't provide the ground path (often Lotus fits a coated/insulated type), but the special stepped washer and a section of anodisation that has been removed around the rivnut is the contact/ground path to the chassis:

 

 

Find a small child (or someone else with 'dainty' hands )  and then you can usually grip the back of the rivnut with some pliers to be able to unscrew the bolt completely. Drill out the rivnut or grind/sand it's head/collar off so you can push it back. You can retrieve the stub from the back.

 

 

Hmmmm how can I grip the back of it - I cant see how to access it ....without taking the rear subframe off!!? and even then im not sure I'd get access?

[tommobot]

On the basis that the car starts, and works etc.. should I not be under the assumtion that the earthing points are OK? - Surely starting the car etc would be more dependant on the earth.

 

Seems an awful lot of pain to get this bolt out... 

[tommobot]

Can't get that damn bolt out, can't find a way to get to the back of it..

I've put a wire from the bolt, to the chassis which would surely replicate the earthing point, makes no difference..

Next item to check? Or any tests I can do etc..?