Main beams failing.

[Brett]

Since having the Altenator belt snap last week I\'ve been experienceing some problems with the headlamps.  (Luckily as I was pulling into the drive way!)
 Snicking noise coming from the dash (Probably the relays in the activating switch) and a what sounds like a buzzer starting to wail coming from under the glove box. The lights flicker then die (although the side lights remain lit up, I did not check the rears, but presume they too are working) At this stage the head lamps remain in the up position, and will not raise or lower on the light switch, but can be lowered using the manual/lamp washer switch.
 Left them 30 seconds and tried them again, and everythnig worked fine.

 Now, I know the control relay for the headlamp motor is under the glove box, mounted on a chassis plate so I will check this first.  (My theory being a damaged wire >many thanks to the previous owner for causing me so much grief< is now earthing when things heat up, thusly causing the relay to be switched/overheat this is in turn leading to the relay in the dash being repeatedly switched giving the clicking sound)

 The real puzzler is what the hell is doing the buzzing?  The main warning buzzer is in the instrument surround, so I know its not that.  The Mazda Alarm system is located in the area around the glove box/footwell/airvent section, but I never saw any kind of speaker/buzzer attatched to its myriad of control boxes.

 If anyone as any advice/comments/mockery then please, lets hear it!

 BTW, for those who dont know its a 1991 Turbo II.

[MikeLMR]

I have no end of problem on the 323\'s  (same era of cars) with the plugs on the back of the headlight bulbs, once you get a corroded connection in there (it\'s usually the earth) it can cause all sorts of havoc with it trying to earth back through various other paths.

[Brett]

Thanks Mike, I\'ll have a look at the connectors too, I hadn\'t considered they might be causing the problem!

[grinder]

you might have distrubed something when you fitted your new lights ??

[Brett]

Maybe, but theres not much there to disturb.  I\'m going go via my workshop on the way home tonight and have a fiddle, cant have the headlights cutting out on me, its too dangerous for words!

[Brett]

All sorted now   It was the highly suspect wiring job done by which ever ..... installed the electric Recaros.  I should have taken a picture, I really should have.  In short, it was terrifying.  I just hope he hasn\'t wired his house in a similar fashion.......