Osram Nightbreaker bulb issue

[MichaelT]

So rather than fit LED bulbs which may or may not cause issues when MOT time comes around I thought I would fit Osram Nightbreakers 220 after reading on here.

They arrived today so went out to fit them, lights come on ok as does high beam both perm on and flashing someone. However with lights off when I try to just flash someone no lights, I can hear the shutter activating on the Hella unit just no light.

When I bought them I asked Amazon AI if they were a replacement for the original Osram and it was also said its OK for a fiat 150 (mines 180 but irrelevant maybe) . Very strange help needed.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D4QSM4CL?tag=mhf04-21

 

[royandsharont]

I’ll try to remember check mine when I bring it home to charge on Thursday but I’m pretty sure they work as normal. I’ll post back here. They were fitted a couple of weeks ago.

 

[MichaelT]

I’ll try to remember check mine when I bring it home to charge on Thursday but I’m pretty sure they work as normal. I’ll post back here. They were fitted a couple of weeks ago.

I'm going to put old ones back tomorrow to check if its bulb or the motorhome.

 

[Lenny HB]

The Nightbreakers are exactly the same wattage as the original bulbs the van will see no difference. If they are working on dip & main the only reason I can think of they are not working on flash is either a stalk switch or relay fault.

 

[MichaelT]

The Nightbreakers are exactly the same wattage as the original bulbs the van will see no difference. If they are working on dip & main the only reason I can think of they are not working on flash is either a stalk switch or relay fault.

But I hear the shutter working, will see if original bulbs work tomorrow.

 

[Lenny HB]

But I hear the shutter working, will see if original bulbs work tomorrow.

Probably seperate relays for lights & shutter.

 

[MichaelT]

Probably seperate relays for lights & shutter.

But they work fine with lights on its only when lights off they dont flash.

Perhaps always been like it but I'm sure they did flash but maybe it was just the blue light on the dashboard coming on and the lights didn't.

 

[Jimbohorlicks]

I'm going to put old ones back tomorrow to check if its bulb or the motorhome.

Try just putting one back as a check.

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[Dave and Di 🌞]

Apparently it's a common problem that the flash doesn't work when the lights aren't on.

 

[MichaelT]

Apparently it's a common problem that the flash doesn't work when the lights aren't on.

Is that base vehicle or bulb?

 

[Dave and Di 🌞]

Is that base vehicle or bulb?

No apparently Carthago wire the van like that so it has never worked the way you would think.

 

[MichaelT]

No apparently Carthago wire the van like that so it has never worked the way you would think.

Thanks, I just put the original bulbs in and it's the same. I was thinking about this and seem to remember that a few times we have flashed someone to let them go but they just sat there so thinking it may be like you say and wired not to work. I'll call the dealer to ask.

Thank you.

 

[Dave and Di 🌞]

Thanks, I just put the original bulbs in and it's the same. I was thinking about this and seem to remember that a few times we have flashed someone to let them go but they just sat there so thinking it may be like you say and wired not to work. I'll call the dealer to ask.

Thank you.

They dealer will tell you that it's normal not just Carthago,s but other makes as well it's a A Class thing.

 

[Peavy]

That's a weird practise from Carthago.
The flash function is mandatory in Spain. You'll fail ITV (MOT) if it's not working. Isn't it in the UK?

 

[MichaelT]

They dealer will tell you that it's normal not just Carthago,s but other makes as well it's a A Class thing.

Just called them and you are correct it's the way Carthago wire them. Lenny HB can you check yours?

 

[MichaelT]

That's a weird practise from Carthago.
The flash function is mandatory in Spain. You'll fail ITV (MOT) if it's not working. Isn't it in the UK?

That's what i wondered but I thought flashing people to come out was a British thing and not in Europe. It flashes when the lights are on.

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[rod_vw]

Wired to US specification, headlight flashers not permitted or at least that is how they used to be.

 

[rod_vw]

That's what i wondered but I thought flashing people to come out was a British thing and not in Europe. It flashes when the lights are on.

Do that on your UK driving test and you will probably fail!

 

[Lenny HB]

Just taken me ½ hour had to setup phone on the other side of the road to see it then found strange goings on with the DRL's.

Nope doesn't flash unless the lights are on and I tried with the engine running the same.
Just thinking about the amount of times I flashed people to let them in, then sworn about the idiots not going after I've flashed them.

I noticed my DRL's weren't working, worked when unlocking, they were working when we used the van last week. Turned the ignition off then on, tried again with engine running still no DRL's. With ignition on I turn the lights back on then off and then they worked.
They must have taken offence to me playing about switching the lights on and off.

I wish Carthago would leave things they know nothing about like the Ducato electrics alone.

 

[Thornebt]

Do that on your UK driving test and you will probably fail!

Most of us took our driving tests so long ago that a headlamp flashing option didn't feature!

 

[L' Hobo]

That's a weird practise from Carthago.
The flash function is mandatory in Spain. You'll fail ITV (MOT) if it's not working. Isn't it in the UK?

Why would you LEGALLY want a flash facility?

The reason I ask is, about 50yrs ago, I got prosecuted and fined for flashing another truck.
He was waiting, in front of me on the opposite lane, at a crossroads, to turn right in front of me, so I flashed him to proceed.

The Policeman statement said, as there was no Highway Code instructions on the use of headlights in that situation, the flashing could have led to an accident.
The Magistrates agreed with him!

I was Assistant Manager at the Richmond, Surrey depot of Hertz Truck Rental at the time and often helped the Police when they were trying to trace a miscreant driver of one of our vehicles.

Needless to say, this helps was curtailed.

 

[rod_vw]

Most of us took our driving tests so long ago that a headlamp flashing option didn't feature!

So did I but I was aware of the rule. I still do it though.

 

[jockaneezer]

I'm probably wrong here, but I was told that a flash of your headlights can be used as a "visual warning" just as your horn is an"audible warning" and could be used between the hours of 11pm and 7am when the use of a horn is not permitted (highway code rule 112) ?

 

[Peavy]

there was no Highway Code instructions on the use of headlights

It sounds familiar, as in the V16 beacon thread, where I found out there's not legal requirement in the UK for high visibility vest or emergency triangle
Here, it's illegal to use flashing lights to warn other drivers of a speed camera or any other police activity.
On the other hand, it is correct to use flashing lights to warn other drivers of a hazard or, as others have already mentioned, to give way, for example.

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[TinaLes]

Well like they say every day is a school day, had no idea after nearly 50 years of driving, makes me think how many other UK drivers are aware of this law.?
Les
Yes, flashing your headlights can be illegal in certain situations, especially in the UK where the Highway Code states they should only be used to say "I am here," with flashing to warn of speed cameras or to intimidate being a fineable offense (up to £1,000) under Police Act laws for obstructing police duty. Using them for other messages, like thanks or to tell someone to go, also violates the code and can lead to penalties for careless driving, even if not a criminal conviction.
When it's Illegal/Risky (UK Context):

• Warning of Speed Traps: This is a breach of Section 89 of the Police Act 1997, impeding a constable's duty, potentially leading to a £1,000 fine and court appearance.
• Intimidating Others:
  Flashing to pressure other drivers (e.g., "get out of my way") can be deemed dangerous or
  furious driving
  , risking points and larger fines
  .
  • Conveying Other Messages: Using them to say "thank you" or "it's safe to turn" goes against the Highway Code (Rule 110) and can be used as evidence in court for other offenses like careless driving

When it's Allowed (UK Context):

• Alerting Others to Your Presence: The primary legal use is to let other road users know you are there, especially in poor visibility or if they might not have seen you.

In Summary:
While context matters, flashing headlights for anything other than a basic "I'm here" warning is a violation. Always use your judgment and be aware that actions like warning about speed cameras carry serious legal risks, says DriveJohnson's and Go Girl Car Insurance.

Headlight Flashing -Why Do People Do It? - All Car Leasing
Is It Illegal To Flash Your Headlights? (UK) Yes, it can be illegal in some circumstances to flash your headlights. Other stopping procedures (107 to 112) - THE HIGHWAY CODE
The Highway Code says that you should only flash your headlights to let other road users know that you are there. You should not f...

www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk

 

[gus-lopez]

That's what i wondered but I thought flashing people to come out was a British thing and not in Europe.

It basically was told to me that here in spain it means the opposite. You flash to let them know you are there, not to let them out.

 

[MichaelT]

Just thinking about the amount of times I flashed people to let them in, then sworn about the idiots not going after I've flashed them.

Yep done that.

I'm probably wrong here, but I was told that a flash of your headlights can be used as a "visual warning" just as your horn is an"audible warning" and could be used between the hours of 11pm and 7am when the use of a horn is not permitted (highway code rule 112) ?

So 8n our case headlights would be on and flasher will work

It basically was told to me that here in spain it means the opposite. You flash to let them know you are there, not to let them out.

Yes that's what i thought, it's a British thing.

 

[TinaLes]

I have always flashed the oncoming drivers to say thank you, if they have pulled in to give me way on a narrow road with cars parked blocking their side, or a least a thank you wave during the day.
Thats why people flash to say thanks at night, waving thanks you would be pointless.
I might have to change my attitude in getting angry having pulled in and given way to oncoming drivers that don't flash a thank you at night, but that doesn't let the ones that don't wave thank you during the day off the hook.
Les

 

[RoamingFree]

People flashing their main beam to thank you at night is one of my pet peeves. I pull in to let them past and they "thank me" by blinding me.

 

[CueBall]

A long time ago I very quickly learnt that flashing headlights meant something very different in Europe. E.g. you might flash someone in France to let them out of a junction or to let them change lanes in front of you on a motorway and they will just sit there - As basically, by flashing, you have just said "I'm here and coming through, so stay there".

For example lorries in Europe rarely flash to let you (or another lorry) know that you have passed them and it is safe to move back in front of them, as doing so would be deemed a warning, not a method of "it's ok".

Also, flashing your headlights from low to high beam at night annoys me hugely - Someone has just let you through and as a thank you, you blind them! I was once told by an "off duty" advanced police driving instructor, if you really need to thank someone at night, briefly drop your headlights from low beam to sidelights and back to low beam again (never use high beam). I've done that ever since, although more difficult in some modern vehicles with auto headlights or where the main beams are always on when driving etc.