Headlights frying column stalk

[SimonB1884]

With apologies for being a relative Lotus virgin, has anyone else had this problem? Turned on the headlights on my Elite S2 for the first time post resto and took out all functionality on the RHS column stalk. Have to assume the lights fried the stalk internals via the dip switch. And I understand the Lucas/Leyland column stalk is not in fact an MG or TR one, but needs to be a Land Rover item - is that right? All help appreciated!

[richardw]

There is a lot of confusion over the origin of the stalk - it could be from any BL car of the era, and I don’t recall that any conclusion was reached. I would suggest you contact Lotusbits as they may have one off an Elite or Eclat that you could use.

[SimonB1884]

Thanks Richard, will try Lotusbits to start at least.

[TAR]

PNM have the stalk listed on their website for pre-order - https://www.pnmparts.co.uk/lotus-dip-switch-6072

[Pete Boole]

This happens all the time in the Elite - especially if you uprate the headlight bulbs. There are no relays in the circuit so the column switch takes all the current and melts. The only real solution is to alter the wiring so that the column switch activates relays.

Pete

[SimonB1884]

Thanks gents very helpful - I might buy a spare and swap out the headlamp bulbs

[Marten]

Thanks gents very helpful - I might buy a spare and swap out the headlamp bulbs

Wire in a relay, that gets rid of the voltage drop to and from the column stalk and is what Lotus should have done to start with

[richardw]

Or you could fit LED bulbs like these I have on my car:

https://www.classiccarleds.co.uk/produc ... am-pattern

They are not that glaring bright white light you get on many LED conversions and look similar to the Halogen beam.

Cheers, Richard

[richardw]

PNM have the stalk listed on their website for pre-order - https://www.pnmparts.co.uk/lotus-dip-switch-6072

That’s good to know - thanks!

[tonypoll]

I thought LED replacement headlight bulbs were illegal and would not be passed in a MOT.
Perhaps someone here can set me straight on this point.
Tony

[Alan_M]

I thought LED replacement headlight bulbs were illegal and would not be passed in a MOT.
Perhaps someone here can set me straight on this point.
Tony

Depends when car was first registered. Can be fitted to cars registered before 1/4/86 with no problem. If tester fails a car prior to this date, then they are ignorant of the rules.
After the above date, you can’t fit a LED bulb into headlight unit designed for halogen, however you can fit a complete LED headlamp unit. I believe they should still be E marked.

[richardw]

Alan is correct. Here is the latest MOT manual - check section 4.1.4 for the relevant advice: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspect ... tion-4-1-4

Cheers, Richard

[SimonB1884]

Just for completeness and in case anyone else has the same problem, a Triumph Stag indicator stalk fits fine with only minor mods and relays now installed. What’s next I wonder!

[DavidOliver]

I have Lucas electric headlamp lift motors in my 85 Excel.
A couple of months ago I had lifted the bonnet for some sort of job and did not close it fully.
I then happened to work the headlights and did not notice the RH headlamp had not closed completely as it fouled the bonnet.
The next morning I found no battery charge, the lift motor had not closed the electric circuit and had actually melted the adhesive holding the motor permanent magnets to the casing.... trash.
SJS only supply on exchange basis and delivery from Spain on a probably useless motor was prohibitive.
Lotusbits came to the rescue but delivery and customs costs have become prohibitive to Spain after Brexit.

Perhaps it is worth installing a time switch and warning light into the circuit.

Any relation to hot column stalks?


Dave the cog.