Mk1 Headlights Wont turn on.

[cybersmile]

Summary
So basically I have a MK1 Clio (P-Reg) I was driving along with full beam on on a country road and suddenly my lights failed.

Problem
My side lights still work (rear and front) and the dashboard lights but when I turn the stick to activate the headlights nothing happens. Not even the dashboard indicator. The same problem with full beam. (Now I've always had an issue with the headlight indicator flickering on and off but not the full beam one. )

Diagnostics
At the moment I have tested every fuse for resistance under the glove box and all seem to be working fine.
I have also tested the fuses under the bonnet and all seem to be fine.
Yet the lights don't work.

Is there a way I can test in the switch in the stalk is working? Or any other way to solve this problem.
This is kind of an urgent one since I can't drive after 7:30

 

[Dan519]

could well be the stalk, mine died so I had no full beam. Pretty easy to change, think mine cost me postage and a donut

 

[wocka]

Yeah i would say stalk mate, i might even have one but god knows where it would be lol

 

[cybersmile]

Well, tomorrow I'll take the stalk off try reverse engineering and shorting the pins on the connector out that way i'll make a direct connection and rule out the stalk issues.
That should save me having to buy another and then not needing it.
I'll let you know, for some reasons I don't have high hopes.

 

[Struggler]

please take care when working with live electrics!! :/

 

[cybersmile]

Okay problem solved, the stalk is the issue.

For reference to anyone else.
I removed the shell from the steering wheel and removed the smaller connector from the back of the stalk.
It has four wires, connected to it, and a thicker red one.
Then I tested voltage to the stalk.
By connecting the voltmeter from the red wire to the sides of the cigarette lighter socket. I read 12.7v (DC).
This proves the stalk is getting power.

Then to do a further test, I took this small connector and shorted out pins 1 & 3, and then 2 & 3
Pin 1 Headlights
Pin 2 Full Beam
Pin 3 (Red) power

After doing this I got my lights to light up, and go on to full beam.
This then acts as proof for a faulty switch in the stalk.

Still I'll have no way of knowing how the stalk dyed.
Maybe too much current somehow, and hopefully when I get hold of a new one it doesn't just brake again.

While I get hold of a stalk, probably off eBay. I'll put a switch between pins 1 & 3 for my late night driving.

 

[White16valver]

Stalks are a common failure, I've had one go on my 16v and one go on an ex's 19. Cheap and easily replaceable, fortunately.