Main beam dash light

I've noticed lately when my headlights are on dipped beam, the orange main beam dash light sometimes glows. The intensity varies but never as bright as when main beam is on.

However, when I have main beam on, the orange light comes on correctly without fail every time with no problem. Any ideas what would cause this?

Hairy I'd suspect an earthing issue as there seems to be some voltage leakage when on dip.  Apparently it's a good idea to run a separate earth to the clocks (Pin 1 or 2 - can't remeber but should be able to work it out with haynes)

PS mine does this too!

I was thinking earthing issue but then thought maybe it just wouldn't work at all?!

Pin 1 on the 14 pin connector I know is for the dash back lighting - would this be the one? So all I do is run an earth wire in to this pin of the connector and earth it?

Clocks have got to come out soon anyway to sort the MFA so two birds one stone!

I would check the connectors at the headlamp bulbs. If they are very mucky or damp I expect it might be possible for a small amount of current to leak across the two circuits. The LED dash indicator only needs a very very small amout of current to make it glow.  

I had a simelar problem with the battery indicator on my golf, just cleaned all the wiring up around the alternator, and it sorted it.

Cheers Maniac - only just noticed your reply! ops:

I know its a really old thread but was the problem solved ?

and if so what was it please (same problem on my car)

Thx Tim

Hairyarse could you let me know the cure please as its stopping me carrying on thx.

it is like most problems on the golf an earth fault .

as the leakage is confind to the lighting circuit i would start by cleaning the earth's on the lghts and checking there circuit. you can narrow this down but unplugging each light in turn and see which one cures the problem .

* remove the positive to the light and keep safe away from the earth/body *

every one with this problem could have a different leakage point so there is no deffinate answer , just a method of solution .

hope this helps .

If i remove fuse 21 (n/s light) if goes out

If i remove the earth wire from that bulb the light comes on proper bright(as in mainbeam)

I tried running a new earth to the bulb connector direct from battery but this made no difference.

when we say earth problem its normaly the positive wire earthing out , measure the positive to earth .

remove and clean make sure the contacts are good.

Blimey, this is an old one!

I think it sorted itself out although car is off road now so I can't give 100% answer I'm afraid. Will be interesting to see if a problem when I've finished my resto!

Cheers
Andy