Proud owner of my first Mr2 mk1 - But have a couple of problems

[smyvy]

Hi,

So I recently purchased my first 1987 mr2 mk1. I'm based in Kent and not the most mechanically minded but want to learn.

I have run into a couple of issues and read how to fix them but they have one over my head a little.

The main issue is the main beams on the car don't work. In position 2 I get no lights at all I can then move up to the next position and the passenger side goes full beam but the drivers side is dim. I taking the light fitting off and the wires to the light bulb seem fine, no fuses are blown and at a lose, I really want to drive in the dark! ahaha

The second issue is it has an aftermarket air filter. At moment it is pointing upwards but not sure this is the best set up for airflow. I'd like to take it back to standard but not sure where to find a new section for the air intake tube.

Finally is their a garage within Kent that is familiar with mk1's? I don't want to take to to Halfords garage who may not know the process to flush coolant etc.

Thanks and excited to get her on the road!

[pistol pete]

Hi ya..

Where abouts in kent are you?

Pete

[smyvy]

Tunbridge Wells.

Thanks

James

[pistol pete]

Okay north kent
Im south kent..
I know a few mk1 owners up there
Ill ask them who they use.. or pop onto mk1 owners club SE area someone may know someone

[Tiamat]

smyvy, welcome to the club.

I am not too far from Tunbridge Wells, straight down the A26 and A22 to Hailsham. Can be done in about 45 mins if you ever need a hand with anything.

I have a copy of Toyota's Big Green Book for the MK1 I can give you a copy of and access to the Haynes Manual for the MK1 as well as a bucket load of spares floating around.

If I can be of help, just let me know.

Malcolm

[pistol pete]

As above.. with what Malc says.. i have done all my own work on mr2's
i am mental busy at the mo but if i am free and can help i will.

[smyvy]

Thanks guys.

Driving it again this morning looks like the main issue is a bracket rusting off so this will need welding back on. And the headlights not working on main beam and when on full beam one is bright and the other is dim.

Glad to join the community!

[Tiamat]

Most aftermarket filters are on a tube directly onto the intake, they do not rely on the brackets from the original intake system. I will see if I can sort a picture reference for you.

[smyvy]

Just took to dash out to check the headlight switch which seems to be turning and all the connectors seem clean. What else am I missing?

The headlights don't pop up until I put them on full beam either. It seems that the main beam function is screwed. Could it be the relay?

[Ben]

Are you trying to use the turney switch to move between main and dipped? To get full beam you need to move the turney switch (technical term) up two clicks, and then move the indicator stalk backwards/forwards to switch between main and dipped beam (same as you would on any other car).

Had me confused for about an hour when I had my first one

[smyvy]

Hi Ben,

Thanks for the message.

When I turn the switch the second position it doesn't even pop up, this only happens when I go to the third turn.

Once I have the pop ups up I take it down to second turn and the lights aren't on at all. I'll move the stalk again like you mentioned but last night nothing seemed to happen.

Th other strange thing is when the lights are on full beam they work but... the drivers side is really dim whilst the passenger side is full brightness.

I'm so confused

[Tiamat]

On a MK1a the lights should be:

Position 1: Off
Position 2: Side lights on (headlights do not come up)
Position 3: Main lights on (headlights up) - dip/full done on the stalk
Position 4: Headlights up, all lights off (for changing bulbs)

On a MK1b the lights should be:

Position 1: Off
Position 2: Side lights on (headlights up)
Position 3: Main lights on (headlights up) - dip/full done on the stalk
Position 4: Headlights up, all lights off (for changing bulbs)

[smyvy]

Been out again tonight and noticed that wiring was a bit of a mess going to the bulb. I brought a plug and required the drivers side but still having an issue of one light being brighter than the other. I tried swapping bulbs and actual light fitting but still have one slightly dimmer light.

Guessing I need to investigate the wiring little more.

Need to jump start the car after I run the battery down haha

[smyvy]

More problems found...

I think I may have brought a dog haha

It seems to have rust issue underneath that has been covered by black seal. Now the question is is it worth it if the whole chassis needs cutting up?

Anyone had major rust treated? If so any companies that may help?

[Tiamat]

Don't go condemning it yet, it all depends on where the rust is. Bottom line is with a MK1 unless you rebuild from the ground up you are likely to require some form of welding.

in 13 years I have had the sills done twice, the wheel arches twice and the underneath once. it needs further welding to avoid it going to the scrap yard.

Is it driveable? I am in TW on Monday and can popover for a view / chat etc.

[jimi]

On a MK1b the lights should be:

Position 1: Off
Position 2: Side lights on (headlights up)
Position 3: Main lights on (headlights up) - dip/full done on the stalk
Position 4: Headlights up, all lights off (for changing bulbs)

That's not quite correct, 1b's had dim/dip so in position 2 as well as sidelights the headlights sbould also be on, but dimmed ie not as bright as dip.
That is unless they been modified, http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/jimilawson/V ... %20mod.htm and http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/jimilawson/V ... 20mod2.htm

[Rob66]

On a MK1b the lights should be:

Position 1: Off
Position 2: Side lights on (headlights up)
Position 3: Main lights on (headlights up) - dip/full done on the stalk
Position 4: Headlights up, all lights off (for changing bulbs)

That's not quite correct, 1b's had dim/dip so in position 2 as well as sidelights the headlights sbould also be on, but dimmed ie not as bright as dip.
That is unless they been modified, http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/jimilawson/V ... %20mod.htm and http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/jimilawson/V ... 20mod2.htm

Interesting my MK1b 1989 lights were exactly as Tiamat describes (demo then me so I doubt they has been messed about with). I always thought it looked strange having the headlights up, but only sidelights on.

[jimi]

Dim / dip was introduced in the UK as a requirement in 1987 and then the requirement done away with (still allowed but not mandatory) in 1988/89 IIRC, so it's possible it wasn't fitted on a 1989 MK1.

[Tiamat]

That's not quite correct, 1b's had dim/dip so in position 2 as well as sidelights the headlights sbould also be on, but dimmed ie not as bright as dip.
That is unless they been modified, http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/jimilawson/V ... %20mod.htm and http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/jimilawson/V ... 20mod2.htm

Also known as sidelights....

[jimi]

Sidelights are position markers, dim/dip works on the headlights and isn't meant as a position marker it was meant to increase the visiblity of vehicles at night when on sidelights in built up areas and reduce glare to other drivers from the dip beams. (basically it puts the dip beams in series)