Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all , I have a problem with my new to me electra X. When I switch the headlight on dip beam is very dim and main is normal. On checking both bulb filaments are dimly lit when on dip .l have checked the left hand switch, disconnected the green wire and it goes out as it should and main beam still functions as normal. Ieven put a direct feed to the bulb from the battery with the dip beem feed disconnected andboth filaments still light up. Anyone have any ideas where the problem may be . Just noticed that the brake light is stuck on, I disconnected the rear light in case that was causing the fault but the headlight still has the same problem. Any advice gratefully accepted
Cheers Dave

Have you tried a new bulb first only I had a similar problem when one filament broke in the bulb and was bridging across so both lit its worth tring a new bulb first then check all fittings & conections are clean and wires not chaffed anywhere.

First thing I tried was a new bulb.

Sounds like someone has replaced bulb and put wires on wrong terminals if return wire is on high or low terminal and high or low beam wire is on return that would also happen.

As Paul says, looking into the front of the headlight the earth terminal is on the right hand side

Paul MH, you were correct the earth wire was on the wrong side. I dont know how many I have changed on buses and trucks over the years. I knew what the problem was , I just didnt notice it was wired wrong. So now only the front brake light switch to replace