Headlight Wiring and Noise

[charliechalk]

Cooper - 52 plate
Had dipped beam headlight (nearside) go.

Changed bulb today - can anyone help with two questions?

Firstly should the orange wire be at the top (that is, nearest the windscreen) on both lights (near and off side) or doesn't it matter? The lights work which ever way around I wire them but I didn't pay attention when I removed the old bulb.

Also should the lights make a buzzing sound when I switch them on - for about 4 seconds when they are first switched on (with or without ignition on). I did not notice this noise before I changed the bulb?

[bax2079]

I think it does matter which way you connect the wires, and I'm not sure it's the same on both side of the car.

The buzzing noise is the sound of the motors in the headlights lifting the beam up and is normal. If you park up facing a wall in the dark, turn off the car and the lights. wait a minute for it to so its thing and then switch the lights on, and then turn the ignition on, you will see the headlights raise from being dipped. if one goes up and the other doesn't move, then reverse the wiring on that headlight. you can also check movement with the headlight level dial on the dash bottom right of the steering wheel. Dial goes from 0 to 3.

[charliechalk]

Thank you for your reply.

I have parked against wall as you suggested. Only side lights come on when the ignition is switched off - is this correct?

When I switch ignition on the dipped headlights come one.

[charliechalk]

*when I switch the ignition on - both dipped headlights come on.

[charliechalk]

and now the electric windows still work without the ignition switched on, but the main beam does not work with the ignition off? would the wiring on the headlight bulb cause all this?

[The Nun]

The electric windows will probably still work after the ignition is switched off for about 3 minutes unless a door is opened?
The dipped headlights will come on when the ignition is on if the option to have the daylight running light mode is selected.
With the ignition off you should still get headlamp flash working, this is the "see me to my front door" lighting and the headlights will turn off after a certain time?

[bax2079]

Basically, turn the lights on and then immediately put the key in and turn the ignition and the headlights should light up but you should see the beam move in to position upwards. both lights should be the same. and use the headlight level dial to check manually that they work as they should.

[charliechalk]

Ok. I have switched lights on and only the light that I have not fiddled with is movable with the dial. Does this mean that I have another problem other than the bulb? I have tried switching the wiring (orange top/black bottom - and vice versa).

?

[bax2079]

I will check my headlight wiring tonight to confirm which way the wiring should be connected.