Results 1 to 6 of 6

Thread: HEADLIGHT AUTO SHUTOFF

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    NYC
    Posts
    30

    Question HEADLIGHT AUTO SHUTOFF

    I recently killed my battery by accidentally forgetting to turn off my headlights on my 2000 RR HSK. 4.6. The headlight switch is a big ol' 'stove knob' looking affair. I was wondering if there is any relay I can install that will automatically shut the lights off after a short while. I don't want to keep draining batteries, and embarrassingly, I suspect I will continue to occasionally forget to turn the lights off. Yup, it's part of my charm. LOL

    It seems very odd for a luxury car that cost's so much, to not have a simple feature on the headlight circuit to protect against being inadvertantly left on, when most other cars of much lesser cost have the same feature as standard equipment. But it does encourage me to believe there is a 'fix' for it, also.

    Thanks in advance to any and all responses,

    Donagh/Connecticut

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Niagara Falls, Canada
    Posts
    44

    Default Auto Shutoff Feature

    So here's the scenario: It's 2 A.M., you have had a rough day and not made it out off the trails due to unforeseen complications, you've got the winch cable pulled all the way out to find a anchor point, it's raining, your standing waist deep in mud, no lights anywhere except for the head lights on your Rover, and then the Auto Shutoff Feature kicks in. LOL

    What kind of luxury automobile would it be if it left you in the dark? Wait, does Lucas still make the electronics for these newer models?

    A good non technical fix may be tying a string from your keychain to the fuse that the lights operate off of. Then unless you get in the habit of leaving your keys in the ignition too you should be alright.

    Rod

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    NYC
    Posts
    30

    Default

    Having driven and rebuilt a number of MGs, and Triumphs over the years, (including a 73 TR6 that curently sits next to my Range Rover in the garage) I clearly understand your feelings about Lucas, and am reminded of the old joke: Q. 'Why do the British drink warm beer?' A. 'Because Lucas makes refrigerators.' It is kinda creepy though, to see them still behind the curve when it comes to auto electronics basics like a headlight switch.

    As far as the winch/mud scenario goes, the majority of RR owners never get much further 'off road' than parking on the grass at their kids soccer games. And off-road or not, when a car costs, between $60,000 and $70,000 (2000 prices; the new ones can cost upwards of $86,000) it should offer more than a primative light switch for it's headlights. Especially when at the same time it offers a sophisticated 'electronic air suspension' system in the same vehicle.

    So i guess your string theory (no, not that one) sounds like the best I'm gonna do. LOL I can't help thinking however, that there is a relay that can be plugged into the one of the fuse blocks which will protect the light circuit.

    Oh well, I still love the car. I guess I'll just have to be a bit more diligent.

    Donagh

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Niagara Falls, Canada
    Posts
    44

    Default

    Seriously you should be able to get a relay for the fuse, or splice a relay in line just after the fuse box. I think Lucas even make one with a delay... in my 94 Classic, the circuit board that controls the windows, one of the relays allows you to roll up the windows after the vehicle is turned off... but only for a short amount of time. Your best bet would likely be going down to an auto parts store and checking out the electronics section, it might be easier than using old Rover parts.

    Cheers
    Rod

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Aurora, CO
    Posts
    42

    Default

    Purchase a "battery tender" and hook it up. It is that simple. It turns off some power to your vehicle if in case you leave your lights on and should not affect your vehicle by resetting it and it stops your battery from being drained. It think they are under $50 and very simple to install.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Aberdeen, Scotland
    Posts
    8

    Default

    Hang on guys!

    Doesn't it provide an alarm if the lights are left on when the ignition kety is removed?

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
About us
Unparalleled product knowledge. Our mission is to support all original Land Rover models no longer supported by your local Land Rover franchise. We offer the entire range of Land Rover Genuine Parts direct from Land Rover UK, as well as publish North America's largest Land Rover publication, Rovers Magazine.
Join us