hi all,

My felicia 1.3lxiplus p reg96) has developed a problem with its lights. when they are on they work but are a lot dimmer, and when they are on main beam the headlights go off and the main beams are only on( also on the dash displayheadlight symbol goes out and main beams come on) this doesnt happen when i use the flash facilty bith main and head lights operate and symbols display? , I have replaced the stalk switch as has been a problem for some time and there was evidence of arching on the main beam contacts but doesn't seem to have helped or solved the problem? the bulbs are new, and been replaced a mnth ago. ive also noticed that the battery warning light is on if you start the the car with the lights on some times too, but not enough to see in a lit street or in day light just a tiny glow. i have replaced the cambelt as it snapped recently and bought a new battery 2 months ago, the belt is tight and is powereing the alternator which is delivering a good current back to the battery even under full load? not sure where to look now any ideas????? really stumped are there any relay that i should look at or is this a common problem? the dash switches are fine and work ok. if any body cold help i really need some help living in the mountains in snowdonia wales the lights are needed most of the time!!!

cheers everyone and hope you can help me

cheers again jamieaspenceconnection

p.s. could it be the light bulb connector with a dodgy connection does any one know how to test these i have a multimeter but a little unsure which wire is which? if anyone has got any ideas i would be really greatful cherrs everybody

Edited 23 November, 201015 yr by jamieaspence

with the battery light coming on i would say your altenator is shaged, this along with a bad battery would explain bad lights.

"When the main beam is selected, the headlights go out, and the main beam comes on" - That's what's supposed to happen with H4 headlights!

I'd agree with Mac that it sounds very much like a FUBAR alternator. With the engine idling, and the fan and radio on (but not headlights or HRW) you should have 14.3v across the battery terminals; I'd guess that you'll find more like 11.7v.

ive also noticed that the battery warning light is on if you start the the car with the lights on some times too

Agree with all previous comments but this also caught my eye; not a good habit to be starting the car with anything high-drain electrical turned on.

it's very common for the alternator voltage regulator to fail which also leads to a cooked battery

Another point - if the lights get brighter as you rev the engine that would also indicate a failed regulator - definitely worth checking that first regardless as it could potentially damage other electrical systems (including the battery as mentioned). Secondly, just to confirm the main beam/flash behaviour is indeed entirely correct for a Felicia, so no need to worry there.

Another point - if the lights get brighter as you rev the engine that would also indicate a failed regulator - definitely worth checking that first regardless as it could potentially damage other electrical systems (including the battery as mentioned). Secondly, just to confirm the main beam/flash behaviour is indeed entirely correct for a Felicia, so no need to worry there.

Noted in the original thread that you replaced the 'cambelt'. You mean Alternator belt, as the 1.3 engine is chain driven .. Does sound like a goosed regulator though. Hope you get it fettled.

hi all,

My felicia 1.3lxiplus p reg96) has developed a problem with its lights.... when they are on main beam the headlights go off and the main beams are only on( also on the dash display headlight symbol goes out and main beams come on) this doesnt happen when i use the flash facilty bith main and head lights operate and symbols display? , I have replaced the stalk switch as has been a problem for some time and there was evidence of arching on the main beam contacts but doesn't seem to have helped or solved the problem? the bulbs are new, and been replaced a mnth ago.

Do you have separate bulbs for main and dipped? If you don't and only have 1 (H4) bulb, then the lights are supposed to go off when main and dipped are swiched (only dipped or main on at once).