BJ42 intermittent headlight issue

[nfs56]

Hey guys,

Kind lost with this one, my passenger headlight intermittently wont work. Sometimes it isn't working and then ill be driving and it starts working again. Would this be something like the relay acting up?

Pretty sure my wiring is ok as I just did a full check on it when i was doing the restoration. I remember having issues beforehand the restoration as well tbh i didn't really drive it before i started the restoration. I re used the original relay under the dash and the headlight switch as well.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks

 

[charliemeyer007]

I have had light bulbs that had a broken filament inside - hit a bump and the filament spot welds together, hit another bump and the weld brakes. Try a new bulb.

 

[nfs56]

I tried replacing the bulbs but its the same issue, its just the passenger one. Its currently not working so i tried a different bulb and its still not working unfortunately.

 

[charliemeyer007]

Easy check done, rule out the simple stuff first. So do you 12 V bulbs in a 24 V system? I'd be looking at relays next if you have them.

 

[nfs56]

Yes, it is 12V bulbs with the 24V system.

Unfortunately i do not have any spare relays or switches. Tbh im not even sure where i can arill buy a 24v relay for the BJ42

 

[charliemeyer007]

Can you swap what you have and see if the issue moves to the other side? I'm thinking that you will need to look at adapting aftermarket stuff to "fix" your issue. Good luck - I'm sure you can Gerry rig something.

 

[nfs56]

Small update, after driving a bit the light comes on and stayed on the whole time I was driving

 

[pb4ugo]

It sounds like you have an issue with the right side wiring. Both headlights are basically wired together then branches off to each side. Look at plugs and grounds. Clean ground connections 1st.

 

[TreadingLight]

What year is it?

I would examine the connector at the headlight and if your bj42 has the leather junction block on the fender like many fj40s do I'd look there.

 

[nfs56]

Its an 84 canadian BJ42. Ive restored it but a lot of body panels are aqualu aluminium.

 

[TreadingLight]

I'd put my money on a bad connection at the headlight itself.

 

[peesalot]

If one is working it's not the relay. I am with Treadinglight, plug at lamp or the junction where the pass side ties in. Can't recall how the headlites ground but thats a possibility if each side has its own ground.

 

[nfs56]

Thanks guys, ill check the connection at the headlight and the pins in that connector.

Im not sure how it grounds so if you have an idea of where that wire goes and grounds id appreciate the information if possible

 

[TreadingLight]

It is either grounded through the harness or at a leather junction black on the fender near the light.

I suspect through the harness as it is a later model. But I am not 100% sure for a BJ42. It will be obvious if there is a junction block.

 

[jim land]

Some good info on this old thread

Thread 'BJ42 Headlight Wiring (24 Volt System)'

Sep 21, 2009

I just bought a 1983 BJ42 that has an electrical gremlin running around in it. It has the 24 volt system. Left headlight turns itself on whenever it want(usually after hitting a bump), with switch TURNED OFF.
Was hoping someone would have a wiring schematic for the headlight circuit that I could use to troubleshoot.
Thanks,
Ted

• nutsaboutsoccer
• Replies: 7
• Forum: Diesel Tech / 24 volts

 

[TreadingLight]

*backs slowly away*

Yeah that would better describe your issue. If this were me I'd buy a small stock of 24v bulbs or *shudder* LEDs and convert to a 24v system.

 

[nfs56]

Yeah this 24v is definitely a pain... I have leds in a lot of places but the turn signals are all 24v bulbs and then the headlights are 12v h4 bulbs... Its a real pain.


Thanks for this information, ill try and deep dive into.

 

[nfs56]

What i should have done is buy a cummings r2.8 5 years ago and converted it to a 12v diesel Landcruiser instead of keeping it the stock Toyota 3B with the 24V system