Dim lights - Mk2 Golf GTi 8v

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Wed 23 Nov 2005 10:46
Dim lights - Mk2 Golf GTi 8v - mattieboy
Hi all

My mk2 GTI 8v is suffering from noticably dim lights. I can tell the difference between side and main, but the lights are dim at all settings. Dipped beam is about as bright as normal sidelights. The rears are also dim.

This all points towards an earthing problem. My problem is, where to start? Is there a common fault on these cars? The car starts fine, and all electrical accessories work OK with the engine off.

Out of interest, we had the front bumper replaced which would have involved connecting up new fogs, I suspect this might be the cause.

All comments gratefully received

Matt

p.s. this is a repeat of a question I posted in another forum.
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Wed 23 Nov 2005 12:27
Dim lights - Mk2 Golf GTi 8v - Screwloose
Matt

If all those lights are dim, then it's going to be the bolted tap-off half-way down the main earth braid near the battery.

Far more likely is a charging, light-switch or main power distribution fault. You need a basic voltmeter to trace this sort of problem.
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Wed 23 Nov 2005 16:46
Dim lights - Mk2 Golf GTi 8v - mattieboy
Cheers for comments, much appreciated.

The only electrical problem I have is with the lights - the starter motor turns strongly and the electrical accessories are all fine with the engine off. I therefore thought it unlikely it was a battery/charging problem. I thought that if the switch went the lights would simply fail, however that is perhaps a naive assumption.

I'll check the tap-off, that sounds like a prime candidate.

Thanks again

Matt
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Wed 23 Nov 2005 17:04
Dim lights - Mk2 Golf GTi 8v - Chris S
Are you sure the lenses aren't just dirty? I've been caught out by that in the past!
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Wed 23 Nov 2005 17:18
Dim lights - Mk2 Golf GTi 8v - mattieboy
Are you sure the lenses aren't just dirty? I've been
caught out by that in the past!


Yes, although they were pretty manky!
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Mon 5 Dec 2005 11:40
Dim lights - Mk2 Golf GTi 8v - 1989golf
can I ask what was the problem because I have the same issue with my golf 1.3?
Thanks
Danielle
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Mon 5 Dec 2005 18:31
Dim lights - Mk2 Golf GTi 8v - steveo3002
hey guys

this is a common prob on old golfs..the best cure is make up a simple loom with 2 fused relays to make sure the headlamps recieve full voltage, if you check with a multimeter you will probably find your losing 1-2 volts at the lamp

new lamps are also cheap enough, so if yours are yellowing then get new ones

www.matey-matey.com/uprated_headlight_wiring.shtml

that link has diy instuctions to make up a loom , its well worth doing
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Tue 6 Dec 2005 10:05
Dim lights - Mk2 Golf GTi 8v - GGH
My mk2 Golf dip switch melted because I was using 55/100w bulbs. I fitted relays and an additional negative wire direct from the bulb to the battery. The improvement in light output was well worth it
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