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MG MGB Technical - Lights

Hi, I own a 1971 MGB and the Prince of Darkness has visited me. The other night, it was dusk actually, I jumped in the car, started it up, and turned on the light switch. Well I had no lights, head or tail, but I did have turn signals, and hazzard lights. I do have power to the brown switch wire which runs to the hazzard light switch through an inline fuse I beleive. Could it be a problem with a ground somewhere? If anyone has any ideas I would be very grateful.

Thanks................Dennis, Connecticut, USA
Dennis Rogers

I would start with the headlight switch. Check for power to the pin where the brown wire connects. Then check the output of the switch.
Kimberly

Hi Dennis,

It is most likely the switch. The headlights are not fused but are grounded. Like Kimberly stated see if you are getting power to the brown wire going to the switch. Reach your had behind the dash and look up. You will see a Brown wire(hot) Blue wire ( H.Lights) and a red/green wire(parking lights).


Simply touch the brown wire to the blue and the headlights should light up. Then touch the brown wire to the Red/green wire and the parking lights should light up. Now you know its the switch. If this does not work let us know. At that point you most likely have a wiring problem.

P.S. Glad to know You have Hazards and turn signals usually that is a common problem with MGs. Your B must have been build on a Tuesday lol. Also the parking lights are fused.


Thanks James D.
James D

If not the switch, you might try cleaning all the multiple bullet connetors up front. I had off/on headlights until I recently got fed up and pulled the grill off so I could get to all the wires easily. Cleaning/replacing bullets has solved my issues. Lots of corrosion on these old cars and connections.

Best regards,
Doug
DT Toms

Thanks for the advice. It was the switch, as I touched the brown wire to the headlight and parking light wires and had lights. I then pulled the switch out and checked the contacts inside and found them worn down to almost nothing. I'll order a new one tonight. Thanks again everyone you were a big help.

Dennis Rogers
Dennis Rogers

This thread was discussed between 08/07/2007 and 11/07/2007

MG MGB Technical index

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