Hi, I am new to the forum. I know the subject of headlight problems has been discussed before but I think I may have a major problem and before I go the Mazda garage perhaps somebody can help. I have owned 2 ZXI's, one from new which was hit in the side and written off a few years ago and my present one. So:
Car 1998 323F BA ZXI V6
I was fiddling with an intermittent low beam plug connector (light worked if side pressure put on the connector). Suddenly plug got VERY hot and all 4 headlamps stopped working. I cannot get headlamps to work.
40 amp fuse is OK (it did not blow)
12 volts OK at the fuse holder
No volts at any of the plug connectors

Questions.
1/ It sounds like a relay has burn out but I think these cars did not have them fitted for the headlights. Is that correct?
2/ Could be burnt out wiring but I can not see anything with a quick look. I guess this would be a nightmare to fix
3/ If the dodgy plug has completely shorted could this affect all 4 lights
4/ Possibly the combined light switch? Again I am guessing this is expensive to replace.
5/ All other lights OK
6/ Can one buy/change simply the plug connector?

Has anyone had a similar problem? If so I would really value some advice. I love these cars but expensive garage repairs are not an option.

Here's hoping

have you checked engine bay fuses? I believe high and low beam are different fuses so unlikely that high and low both sides would blow at the same time but a main slow blow fuse in engine bay would knock out a few things in one go. I'm not sure about a relay in the system as i've never had to tackle this. If necessary i can remove my relays one by one to see if i can simulate it unless anyone else on here can help. I wont be near mine until Thursday poss friday

Hi
Thanks for the reply. The 1997 323F BA has a single 40 amp fuse in the engine bay that covers all 4 headlights (2 mains and 2 dipped) This fuse is OK. There are no more fuses in the system! I think it may be the earth connection burnt out when the connector overheated/shorted. I need to find where this earth connection is. I find information on the web for this model very sparse.

Cheers

I know Hughie has just ripped out the whole wiring loom on his track car and breaker I believe so he may be able to determine whether there is a relay or not but from memory I don't think there is either.

If it's one fuse for all 4 lights then I would maybe check the ground connections too. Have you checked out all light connectors on the back of the lights to ensure there is no obvious corrosion on the plugs or whatever?