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Can Anyone Helo With Relay Problem?


mattrix
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Hi there,

I have a 2010 Focus so I guess that would be the Mk 2.5 variation. My driver's side headlight doesnt work and I've narrowed the problem down to a relay, through testing voltages on the headlight cluster plug, swapping clusters etc etc. There is a clicking noise under the glove box whenever I turn my light switch from side lights to headlights so I want to check that relay as I'm 99% sure that's the problem. The thing is, I can hear the clicking as clear as day coming from the glove box when sitting inside the car, but for the life of me I can't see the relays! The fuse board has all the fuses etc but I can't see any relays, my board is the same as this one http://i34.tinypic.com/2rh5xti.jpg

The only difference between my board and the one in this picture is mine doesnt have a black relay on the left at the top. I've never done anything to this fuse board and never modded my car and I bought it from an SMC branch so everything should be as stock. I bought it in 2012 and the headlights have been working up until about a week ago. Can anyone help me with where the relays are under the glove box please? i'm going mad and in need my headlight working :)

Thanks,

Matt.

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Just found this bit of info on here posted by JW which might explain why you cant find it -

On the Focus MK2/MK2.5 most of the relays are SMD relays which are integrated onto the circuit board of the GEM module/fuse box. Officially these relays can not be changed. If one of the SMD relays becomes defect you have to change the complete GEM module/fuse box which is pretty expensive. However if you have enough soldering skills you should be able to replace a defective relay.

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Oh great... I have no soldering skills whatsoever but I know somebody who used to be a Ford mechanic maybe he could lend me a hand.

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First check that there are separate relays for each light, thats pretty unusual, normally one relay controls both

Use a voltmeter to check their is voltage to the plugs at the back of the light

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Hi, that's what I meant by "testing voltages etc" in my post. One of the pins on the plug at the back of the cluster has low voltage, if I plug the cluster in on the opposite plug, all lights work.

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Does sound like te supply then, get a wiring diagram and see if 1 or 2 relays involved. If 1 then there is a short in the wiring somewhere,

Pop the GEM unit out and check for corrosion on the back as well

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Just checking, the GEM is the block where theloom goes into to connect to the fuseboard? with a black lever to pop it off?

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Gem is the fusebox.all 1 unit, you , is it dipped or main not working or both?

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1 relay for dipped , 1 for main, so not a relay problem, what voltages were you getting at bulb end?

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It's my driver's side dipped beam. Passenger side works, and both main beams work. I only tested using a test light, not a multi meter. I will test tomorrow with a multi meter and let you know, the test light was bright on all the other pins in the plug apart from 1 which I guess is the one which goes to the dipped beam on that side

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They are fused separately, I assume you have checked fuse?

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Hi, yes i have checked and changed the fuse, still no working drivers side dipped beam. Are we sure it wouldnt be a relay somehow? There is a reaally loud clicking noise from under the glove box when i turn my headlights on and off. I still need to get the voltage readings as i don't have a multi meter at the moment sorry I will get them as soon as possible, thanks for all your help.

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Relays should click, if you couldn't hear them that's when there's a problem!

I reckon theres a break in the wire somewhere, probably rubbing on bodywork and shorting to earth.

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I thought that, but the looms are all encased inside plastic shroud and I have followed it all the way through the engine bay and as far as i can see i can't identify any breaks in the plastic but i'll have another look thanks.

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I checked wiring diagram , i try find info first before giving advise on here. relay same for both dipped beams, so if 1 dipped beam working then that's not the issue, so if fuse is ok, need to check fuse voltage next , then wire coming out fusebox. And of course at the relevant wire at connector for the headlamp assy.

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What happens if you swap the bulbs around? Just a thought incase one is faulty or blown.

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Then check the earth side, are any of the other bulbs dim. You can have the best 12V in the world but if a bad earth it aint going anywhere

I would personally suspect the actual connector, you said the bad headlamp worked on the other side. Does the good headlamp work on the bad side?

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Hi,

It sounds as though there in not enough amps to switch the relay on, the voltage may be 12 volt.

When I have used relays on my cars I normally put a resistor in the circuit to reduce the power just enough to switch the circuit on, if it is switching on and off the voltage or current is too low, there may be a corroded connection or a resistor that needs replacing.

It could also be faulty relay. A person who dabbles in electronics should be able to mend it in a few minutes. My eyes are not too good now so it would take me a bit longer.

Barry T

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The relay is fine and switching perfectly or else the other light wouldn't be working

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Hi Stephen

Is there 2 sets of switching circuits in the relay and 1 set is faulty ?

Barry T

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The relay is fine and switching perfectly or else the other light wouldn't be working

Yes, 1 relay , 1 switching circuit, then in fusebox after relay splices in to 2 separate fuses outputting from fuse box at pins 7 and 8 on connector c96 from what I remember
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Voltmeter on the 2 fuses. If both 12v the issue is in wiring between them and headlamp. If only 1 is 12v then issue is the gem/fuse board some folks have reported corrosion on back

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And still no mention of checking the bulbs are good, sometimes the obvious gets missed!:)

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And still no mention of checking the bulbs are good, sometimes the obvious gets missed!:)

I assume the obvious would have been checked first.lol
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