BX 'Lego' headlamp Switch

Linegeist · Unread post by **Linegeist** » 18 Dec 2003, 22:49

Well, dark evenings have finally reached sunny France ........ and I've noticed a curious thing with my Mk1 BX1.9GT.
When I've had the headlamps on for more than about 20 minutes, the inner side of the LH Lego style switchgear cluster is quite warm to the touch - I would estimate a good 40degC!
Now my question is, is this normal? The last thing I want is an electrical meltdown one some remote back road, however I seem to remember that a number of cars run with hot switchgear. Is the BX one of them?
Thanks blokes
regards
BC
PS: Merry Christmas Guys! [:)]

VisaGTi16v · Unread post by **VisaGTi16v** » 18 Dec 2003, 23:02

Sounds a bit dodgy if you ask me

My friends old ford granda has a nice "feature". When you put the headlights on the engine temperature goes up a lot to almost overheating.....got to love old cars with wiring issues

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 19 Dec 2003, 01:41

Linegeist -
This is definately not "normal" - it's a clear indication that the lights switch have seen it's best ages.
Sooner or later the lights switch will give up the ghost - and you'll get your own small Tjernobyl disaster [:D]
You better wind up your patience and your toolbox - and get the lights circuit modified - using the lights switch to control a couple of relays - instead of directly driving off the large Amperage to the lights. The complete modification is done in the engine bay - very easy - just collect the original wires running to the headlamps - then cut these wires - ensuring the run from the switch is long enough to reach the relays. The wire run to the headlamps surely needs replacing anyway - as I bet your headlights allready are a bit "tired" in light intensity.
A very common modification indeed to elderly lady cars [8D]

oilyspanner · Unread post by **oilyspanner** » 19 Dec 2003, 06:43

Try adding an extra earth connection between the engine or battery to earth(body)
STEWART

nick · Unread post by **nick** » 20 Dec 2003, 00:12

As mk1 BX's go, this does seem to be normal.
My grandad bought one of the first UK BX's new in 1983 and the switch always got warm like this right from the car being new. It was still getting warm but working fine until the car was finally scrapped at 19 years old last year!
For some years I also owned a mk1 1986 BX that had a 'warm' light switch with no other apparant problems with the lights.
Nick

lhm_leak · Unread post by **lhm_leak** » 21 Dec 2003, 01:45

My old Mk.1 BX16TRS light switch used to heat up enough to fry eggs on it. After replacing it twice, I bit the bullet and installed a couple of relays behind the headlights...
Stu.