Hello,
first timer here.
I have a 1978 Austin Morris Mini 998cc. I have a problem where my high beams don't come on. I don't believe its the bulbs themselves, as the headlights work fine.

I'm troubleshooting the problem, but can someone please tell me the location of the relay for the high beams?

I've already ordered a Haynes manual, but it hasn't arrived yet. and I need to get the high beam issue solved before I can pass inspection.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

Don't make the same mistake I did and assume the headlights are OK - both low beam elements on my '76 998 were burned out. Don't know about a relay, but here's a list of wiring diagrams available online form the nice folks at Mini Mania
http://www.minimania.com/web/SCatago...2/ArticleV.cfm

 

I don't believe a true 1978 mini originally came with relays. Later model MPI, SPI cars very well could have. Check the high beam switch in the turn signal apparatus in the steering column with a tester. The wire should be blue with a white stripe. There should be a multi spade plug where everything connects together as well under the dash above the pedal box. Chances are the current drawn has created quite a bit of heat over the years. Re wiring the hi beams to a relay is a wise decision, especially if using halogen lights.

dr dave

 

you very well may be right. I've looked, where i think is, everywhere, and couldn't find one.

after not being able to find a relay, I went back through and followed the wires again--really checking for tightness. There was one connection that seemed a bit loose, I pushed the socket back in, and everythign seems to be working again.

With winter coming I do hope to go through the wiring and take a good look at what needs to be replaced.

Thanx! =)

~Cas

 

I think & damn semantics

I was about to say...sure there's relays....but dug in the car (a 79), on MiniMania parts catalog, and in Haynes.... & sometimes I need to learn how to speak King's English vs 'merican

My 79 has two 'flasher units', one for the turn sig's and one for 4 way flash. These 'flashers' are in fact relays to an electrician and so described in Haynes.....but not connected to the headlights so who cares about semantics?

Cross checking that with the MOSS Classic Mini parts catalog (an EXCELLENT reference - all the line diagrams you find on MiniMania, but sometimes paper is SO much more user friendly) I only see 'flashers' in the parts lists for a 70's car.....

So I'd say your poor connection - aka a blessing by Lord Lucas - is your problem....

But I'm a seat of the pants guy ready to be (nicely) corrected

 

I am too...

 

Lucas connectors and terminals corrode badly and quickly. Always check for corroded connections, bad grounds, etc. Also, always look at the fuse box. The blade connectors corrode and the connections loosen. I usually replace mine as they're inexpensive.