hopo Posted August 24, 2017 Report Share Posted August 24, 2017 Anyone know where I can source a 'decent' functioning headlamp switch that works and lasts? I've gone through around 5 SJ versions. All of which have broken. They are quite frankly shite. regards Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverfrost Posted August 25, 2017 Report Share Posted August 25, 2017 I always buy used ones from lotusbits if that helps, as for new ones rimmer brothers ? but i presume they are the same ones that sj sells ? Quote A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtmco Posted August 25, 2017 Report Share Posted August 25, 2017 Jon, Are they just physically breaking or do you think that the headlamp current plays a role? Perhaps installing a relay to carry the high current would help? Jim Quote Jim McLeskey Richmond, VA USA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopo Posted August 27, 2017 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2017 Hi mate, im pretty sure they are just breaking due to poor quality of the part. Not the biggest headache but a bit of a pain when you need to drive in the dark! I've got one from SJs and a spare to keep in the boot along with my reserve throttle cable! Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAR Posted August 27, 2017 Report Share Posted August 27, 2017 Do you mean the switch to turn them on and off or the stalk for high low beam? If its the on/off switch , its a very simple sliding copper contact with a spring. You should be able to take it apart and clean with contact cleaner. Unless of course you actually broke it. Quote It's getting there...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM skiing Posted August 29, 2017 Gold FFM Report Share Posted August 29, 2017 I have been through three switches. I think that the earlier cars which have all four lights on on both dipped and high beam put too much current through the switch. On mine the black plastic internals which press the copper strips down to close the connections, melted. But the aftermarket plastic ones are also not as well made - the plastic bits which press the copper switches are thinner and break more easily. I managed to find a genuine new switch recently which is much better quality than the cheap repro I had before. all in all, I would add additional relays to reduce the current (or get an auto electrician to do it?)? and keep an eye on ebay for an original switch. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve4012 Posted August 29, 2017 Report Share Posted August 29, 2017 Henry what year did the twin headlamp arrangement change on dipped beam? Currently troubleshooting my 81 turbo which has 4 lights on for dipped but drops down to 2 singles for main beam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverfrost Posted August 29, 2017 Report Share Posted August 29, 2017 New one on me Steve, as far as i am aware the esprit has never had all four lights on ? I think it was a conversion that folks did to make it look a bit more cool to have four lights on when dipped I could be completely wrong but this is always what i have been told regarding the lights, Quote A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve4012 Posted August 29, 2017 Report Share Posted August 29, 2017 No problem, maybe I misunderstood what Henry was saying. Sorry didn't mean to hijack the thread and I'll investigate further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold FFM skiing Posted August 29, 2017 Gold FFM Report Share Posted August 29, 2017 As far as I know, early cars had all four on. It then became a legal requirement in the UK to only have two dipped and then four main? I might be wrong though - mine has been modified a fair amount in its time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisJ Posted August 29, 2017 Report Share Posted August 29, 2017 My 1982 Turbo Esprit has 4 on all the time - always has. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverfrost Posted August 29, 2017 Report Share Posted August 29, 2017 Henry may be right then about the early cars having all four lights on My 85 esprit does not, sadly my other two earlier cars never even came with headlight bowls just empty pods I just remember seeing plenty of threads about folks wanting all four lights working and a mod was shown, knowing my S3 never ones do not all come on, I thought all models had been like this. Will look at doing this i think as it always looks a bit odd to me with just the outer ones on alone Quote A Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyww Posted August 29, 2017 Report Share Posted August 29, 2017 Not sure when they changed but earlier cars such as my 82 have the outer lights controlled by the switch and the inners slaved off these via a main beam relay and a dipped beam relay. So they are all on when main or dipped but this can be modified by pulling out either or both inner light relays. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marode Posted November 1, 2017 Report Share Posted November 1, 2017 +1 for the relay. Been through 2 or 3 switches within a few years, then fitted a relay. Rid of the worries since. It´s a design fault IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Coleman Posted November 3, 2017 Report Share Posted November 3, 2017 The switch is a Lucas part isn't it? The Lucas motto: "Get home before dark." Lucas is the patent holder for the short circuit. Lucas - Inventor of the first intermittent wiper. Lucas - Inventor of the self-dimming headlamp. The three position Lucas switch - Dim, Flicker and Off. The Original Anti-Theft Device - Lucas Electrics. Lucas is an acronym for Loose Unsoldered Connections and Splices 2 Quote Lotus Esprit [meaning] a 1:1 scale Airfix kit with a propensity to catch fire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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