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Checking a headlight

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by EarlGrey, Jul 21, 2011.

  1. EarlGrey

    EarlGrey Member

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    I know this one is going to have some of you shaking your heads, but if I have my headlight off the front, put a wire on one of the poles and stick the other end on the battery, shouldn't it light up? I'm starting to suspect that even though the filament is in one piece the headlight is still bad.
     
    EarlGrey, Jul 21, 2011
    #1
  2. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    there are two filaments in the bulb...one for low beam and the other for high beam. There should be three poles on the back of your bulb....one ground, one pos. for low, the other pos. for high.

    I wouldn't go directly to the bulb from the battery as the amps may kill it. Maybe not, but I wouldn't do it anyway.

    dave
     
    hogfiddles, Jul 21, 2011
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  3. iandmac

    iandmac Member

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    There's nothing wrong with testing your lamp or any other device this way, the current will be limited by the resistance of the filament. Be careful not to short the leads or you may damage your battery or create big sparks that can start a fuel fire.

    An easier and less dramatic way is to test the resistance of the filament of the lamp with your test meter. If it is open circuit, that is, an infinite resistance, the filament or the connections to it are broken. Any device designed for 12 volt operation will normally show a few ohms resistance only.
     
    iandmac, Jul 21, 2011
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  4. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Use a Multi-Meter.

    That will tell you if the Bulbs Good or Bad.

    So will one of these:
    RadioShack

    [​IMG]
     
    RickCoMatic, Jul 21, 2011
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  5. EarlGrey

    EarlGrey Member

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    Thanks guys. I'm going back out there after dinner. Are these standard lights you can pick up at Wal Mart if they're bad or are they a special order deal?
     
    EarlGrey, Jul 21, 2011
    #5
  6. SQLGuy

    SQLGuy Well-Known Member

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    You should be able to get a replacement bulb at Wal-Mart, Autozone, etc.

    If it's a Seca 650, it's an H4 bulb (I think), 60/55W.

    If it's a Maxim, it's a sealed beam unit, 50/40W

    You might want to update your signature to clarify which model.

    Cheers,
    Paul
     
    SQLGuy, Jul 21, 2011
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  7. biggs500

    biggs500 Active Member

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    H4 is correct for the Seca. Not sure on the Maxim.
     
    biggs500, Jul 22, 2011
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  8. fxallen

    fxallen New Member

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    Anyone know of flasher units that are available that cycle between low
    and high beam for daytime running light ??

    Fred
    85 XJ750XN
     
    fxallen, Jul 23, 2011
    #8
  9. Hvnbnd

    Hvnbnd Active Member

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    No on that flasher
     
    Hvnbnd, Jul 24, 2011
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  10. KrS14

    KrS14 Active Member

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    THAT would be awesome, if there was something like that available.

    A relay say, with a photo-resister that you mounted, that would turn your hi beams to low when it got dark enough.
     
    KrS14, Jul 24, 2011
    #10

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