Headlights not popping up or lighting

[jsb96]

So the other day I changed my steering wheel out (I don't know how relevant that is) and replaced a reverse switch on the car, and now for some reason my headlights won't come on. The headlights will pop up if I push the button for it, and if I put high beams on they will pop up and disaply high beams, but when they are just on there main beam the headlights will neither pop or light up. Where should I begin looking for the problem?

(The bulbs aren't blown I've had them checked)

Thanks

[aka_juffa]

Given that you have said that headlight globes have been confirmed as OK, and the head lights will pop up via the dash button or when using high beam then I don't think that there is an issue with a fuse, or the connection to the dash button.

Were there any difficulties in removing the steer wheel. Did you have to use any force, or a tool such as a 'puller'? Did you or anyone else put any pressure on the headlight/indicator stalk on just behind the steering wheel on the right side.

Given the age of your NA6 (at least 23 years old) it is possible that either general wear and tear, or damage when removing the steering wheel is causing this issue.

There are a number of electrical contact points under the covers that surround the steering column, all of which are part of one large mechanism that controls the wipers, headlights, indicators and wash water pump. By moving the headlight/indicator stalk backwards/forwards for low/high beam, or up/down for indicating you are making use of the various contact points. Over time wear and tear in that overall mechanism can mean that the contact points will not work at all, or only at random. This can be caused by a build up of carbon on the contact points, or wear in components that mean the contact points are mis-aligned.

You could try removing the covers, and clean the contact points with something like emery paper, and/or look for loose 'joints' that might be causing mis-alignment. Hope that makes sense, and helps

J

[jsb96]

Thanks for your advice, the main beam switch is a twist though so how would I go about finding the contact point for thaT?

[93_Clubman]

As Juffa says the headlight/indicator stalk & collar does wear & cause issues (see post/s by Rolley on this forum), but first it might be worth checking it's not a relay problem causing the issue:
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