UK Car Repair: electrics, renault grand espace, ohm meter

Question
QUESTION: i have a problem with my headlights on my r reg renault grand espace problem is i have side lights but when i select dipped beam my side lights go off and the indicators light all four of them on the instrument panel i have indicators and full beam lit up ( the indicators dont work in this state but do when switched to side lights ? ) any suggestions to remedy this problem would be greatly recieved as i can not afford to take it to a dealer nor is there a haynes manual available for this vehicle
regards garry
ANSWER: It appears you may have a bad earth connection at one of the headlamps. Instead of the h/lamp feed going to earth there, it is feeding back through the bulb and to earth at the indicators. Check the connections to earth at both h/lamps.

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QUESTION: hi there
ive tried the earths on both lights they look ok i have also checked all multi plugs i am at a total loss with this problem as they worked fine the other day i have also noted that when hazard warning lights are switched on instead of the indicator lights flashing at the front the side light flashs instead ? all fuses are intact ans as far as i am aware so are the relays although not sure if this vehicle has a relay for headlights as it is not mention in vehicle handbook
the car is a renault grand espace year 1998 r registration 2.2 rtx dt diesel

regards garry

Answer
Garry,  It still sounds like an earth problem -or a faulty bulb at one of those lights- the connections may look good but you have to physically check them.  With some type of test light or ohm meter make sure there is an earth connection from the bulb holder to the frame.  You mention the hazard operation, the fact that this is happening at the same front lights reinforces my opinion,  Check again.