High Beams Don't Work etc.

[olinjohnston]

Now that it's getting dark earlier, I have been using my headlights more. I am now tired of their issues, and I need to fix them.

1. Ever since I have owned my e31, the high beams (the only lights I didn't test before I bought it) have not worked. Both fuses in the front have been checked. Both bulbs have been checked. The lows and fogs work fine even though the wiring looks like crap, and when i pull/push the stalk, the dash indicator works just fine. Also, when I flash the lights (headlights off) the bumper flashers work fine, so I know its not a switch issue.

2. The much-discussed headlight adjuster problem... Mine are missing the knobs. Dealerships say they have never heard of the recall/repair kit, and the only one that acknowledged the TSB said they couldn't get the parts. I was looking for some ways of just fixing it myself without going to euro lights or doing an entire bucket replacement.

Please help me E31 guys... Thanks!

EDIT for those who want to know: Re-seating the relay K46 did not work, but replacing it did! Thanks guys...

[IcemanBHE]

Talk to wuffer. He has some aftermarket made adjuster parts.

[Max Lumens]

Check relay K46, per ETM. If that's OK, it's your LKM.

[olinjohnston]

I tried to operate the high beams and I could not feel any kind of "click" in the relay. It's probably bad.

[TerryY]

I fixed my "no brights" by re-seating the relay. I have had several problems caused by poor contact that were fixed by re-seating relays and fuses.

My 840 spent its life on the West Coast-mostly in southern California so it is probably just normal oxidation creeping under the contact surface.

[Max Lumens]

Good suggestion. You can also open the relay and test or clean it. That one is a double, also does the FTP lights.

[Bryson]

My high beam relay for the FTP highs had a cold solder joint internally and didn't work. Pulled it apart, fixed up with fresh solder, installed, and voila! Flash to pass!
(San Diego car all its life as well)

[olinjohnston]

I ended up going to the dealership and just ordering one.

[hubtown1]

Now that it's getting dark earlier, I have been using my headlights more. I am now tired of their issues, and I need to fix them.

1. Ever since I have owned my e31, the high beams (the only lights I didn't test before I bought it) have not worked. Both fuses in the front have been checked. Both bulbs have been checked. The lows and fogs work fine even though the wiring looks like crap, and when i pull/push the stalk, the dash indicator works just fine. Also, when I flash the lights (headlights off) the bumper flashers work fine, so I know its not a switch issue.

2. The much-discussed headlight adjuster problem... Mine are missing the knobs. Dealerships say they have never heard of the recall/repair kit, and the only one that acknowledged the TSB said they couldn't get the parts. I was looking for some ways of just fixing it myself without going to euro lights or doing an entire bucket replacement.

Please help me E31 guys... Thanks!

EDIT for those who want to know: Re-seating the relay K46 did not work, but replacing it did! Thanks guys...

Does anyone know where to find this relay on the car?

[hubtown1]

i fixed my "no brights" by re-seating the relay. I have had several problems caused by poor contact that were fixed by re-seating relays and fuses.

My 840 spent its life on the west coast-mostly in southern california so it is probably just normal oxidation creeping under the contact surface.

which one of the relays are for the high beams?

[Wuffer]

Download the 1991 ETM from here: http://www.wuffer.net/bc8s/index.php...d=55&Itemid=60
then go to page 17. Time for you to learn, Grasshopper!

[psych0f0x]

just want to say thanks to wuffer for the link to the fuse box picture... I've just got my 840 and been struggling to figure out why the full beams weren't working.. A quick check of the relay showed the previous owner had the relay in the wrong place.. So thanks ..

[BlackBox Tuning]

would like to say thanks for the service manuals and the electrical diagrams.
highbeams hadnt worked in who knows how long and all it took was a pop of the relay cover to find no less than 3 cold solder joints.
hot iron to reflow the joints with some fresh solder and all is well.

[smc850ci]

I know I'm dragging up an old thread, but I am having the same issue with my 8. I swapped the relays (flasher with highbeam) and the highbeams still don't work. I'm getting power to the fuses and relays, but none at the headlight end. Suggestions?

Thanks,
smc850ci

[ltbrett]

The headlight wiring insulation on our cars is notorious for failure. A short could explain your symptoms.

Brett

[smc850ci]

Yes, I agree that the harness is shot. But I tested, and I'm not getting any power to the big round connector. Well, I'm getting power to one post in there. There are 4 posts in the connector. I think the connectors are X135 & X284 on the right hand side.

[kiwiCSi]

Olin, if you're also going to refurbish your wiring, I have one of Max Lumens' wiring kits that I never used.
It's yours for the cost of postage, if you want it.

[olinjohnston]

Olin, if you're also going to refurbish your wiring, I have one of Max Lumens' wiring kits that I never used.
It's yours for the cost of postage, if you want it.

I posted this thread 9 years ago. They've been done for some time. Thanks though!

[killian665]

I’ll take it off your hands if you don’t want it, mine are pretty shot.