Hymer b584 2005 headlamps - on but can't see a thing... (1 Viewer)

[Dervish]

Hi all

Just taken ownership of a LHD Hymer b584 fiat Ducato with the round headlights.
Took it out for a first night drive last night and whilst the lights were on (we had to walk to the front of the van to check) we couldn't see a thing in the dark roads. We ended up having to drive as much as we could with full beams on so that we could see anything at all. In fact we couldn't tell the difference between just having the sidelights on and the main beams. Which makes me suspect our main headlights aren't coming on...

When I have the main headlights on only the inner of the 2 round lights are on - not the outer ones.
So my question is - should both lights (inner and outer) be lit up when main headlamps are on or would the outer one only turn on when you go to full beam?

Many thanks in advance!

 

[Johnnyb]

I suspect your dipped headlights aren't working although a photo would help. If your Hymer lights are like most vehicles with twin headlights the inner lights will be sidelights and main beam and the outer will be the headlights. It's not impossible that both the outer headlight bulbs have blown, that'd be my first check.

 

[Portland]

If you have to change the bulbs I hope you are double jointed

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[JeanLuc]

Sounds as though the dipped lamps are not working. The outer, projector-style lamps are the dipped beams and the inner, plain pattern ones are the main beams. When the stalk is set to main beam, both should be on.
I would first check if the main and dipped lamps are separately fused. No idea where the fuses are located on a Fiat based Hymer I am afraid (mine is on a Sprinter base). Do you have the base vehicle hand-book?

 

[bigtree]

If they are the same Hella 90mm units I have they are rubbish.

 

[Dervish]

Thanks for all your replies - it does look like the main dipped headlamps must have gone - looks almost impossible to get to but will give it a go!
From what I can tell (from the user manual) both full beam and dipped lights are on the same fuse which would suggest it's the bulbs.
Looks like one of the fog lights is also gone at the front. The one on the passenger side is working but not the driver's side.
Thanks again for your speedy replies.

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[Ian RP]

I had a problem with my O/S lamp and after removing the complete assembly it was apparent that the ball end of the adjuster had come out of its [white plastic] socket in the frame so the lamp was insecure and impossible to aim correctly.
I am sorry to say that it is a miserable task to get the thing out. I ended up taking the lower front valence off to get in behind the lamp and it was still mission impossible to get the housing screws back in. Took me about 4 hours and needed a bottle of rum after. I am now having an issue with the electric supply to the dip bulb. Photos show you what the beast looks like at least.

 

[Ian RP]

The outer lamps are the dip beam and stay on with main beam indicator lamp on dash is blue for MB. If anyone has any idea of where the next joint is in the loom after the 4 pin connector next to the headlight I'd be grateful.

 

[Reallyretired]

These lights are the same I think as those on my rapido. Mine work but are pretty bad. Best solution is not to drive after dark.

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[Portland]

The lights are definitely NOT the best feature on M/Hi fitted with these!, If you have to change the bulbs is there any better ones that will replace them..If I remember correctly I removed the wheel arch trim along with some of the screws holding the inner wing, then eased it back enough to get at them. Also whilst you're doing them adjust the dip beam to the UK rules just 3 screws to loosen turn until it stops then tighten again. Good luck

 

[Dervish]

Again - thank you all. I took another closer inspection today. Swapped the fuse with the fog lamp fuse to check this wasn't the issue - which it wasn't. So I had a go to wedge my arm into the ridiculously small crevice provided and gave up after about 20 minutes as I was concerned I was doing more damage than good with such poor visibility. I think step 2 will be to take Portland's advice and see if I can get in more easily from below. It's going to be a crappy job one way or another!

 

[Manic]

I changed my dipped beam bulbs from in the bonnet but you have to work blind but it's possible.

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[JeanLuc]

To access from below, remove the front grey 'bumper' skirt and possibly, part of the wheel arch. To remove the bumper, disconnect the four bolts from brackets at the bottom front (get under on your back); then unscrew self-tappers either side that go vertically up into the wheel arches; then as many self-tappers are are required to release the bumper from the grey wheel arch trims (these are behind the rounded grey plastic trim strip at the joint which folds back); finally, unscrew two self-tappers (on either side) at the front top of the bumper that sit behind the 'Hymer' grill and go vertically down into the bumper. It should then pull forward but be aware that you will need to disconnect the indicator and fog light cables that are linked with multi-pin push-on / pull-off connectors. It's a good idea to have a small stool (e.g. Fiamma step) at the front ready to stand the bumper on while you do this.

 

[Dervish]

Thanks JeanLuc - that sounds like a good way in - will give that a go

 

[scotjimland]

I changed mine from under the bonnet.. it's not easy but once you get the hang of it it's quite doable..

certainly a lot less work than jacking up and removing wheel arch liners..

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[JeanLuc]

I changed mine from under the bonnet.. it's not easy but once you get the hang of it it's quite doable..

certainly a lot less work than jacking up and removing wheel arch liners..

I agree Jim, my preferred option would be to change bulbs from the bonnet opening. Just gave the bumper removal guide in case the OP decides to do it that way.

 

[tonyidle]

I agree Jim, my preferred option would be to change bulbs from the bonnet opening. Just gave the bumper removal guide in case the OP decides to do it that way.

Just tried it (just testing!) from under the bonnet. I can remove & replace the rubber cap easily so it is possible without too much difficulty.