Headlight Puzzler
#1
Headlight Puzzler
Okay, I'm way no good with electrical systems.
My headlights won't come on. All the rest of the lights work -- cruise lights, brake lights, reverse lights, blinkers, hazards. Just not the headlights. Checked the voltage at the headlight sockets and it's registering voltage (however at lower than 12 volts.) Checked the headlights themselves by bypassing the switch and running them straight to the battery and they worked fine. Also checked the fuses and they were fine too.
So I know the switch is okay, the fuses are okay, and the headlights are okay. So where does this low voltage problem come from? Is there a relay I'm not aware of? Is it shorting out at a certain place (where should I check?) Is there a wire disconnected?
Right now I'm just running a bypass switch to get me home at night, but I'd really like to fix it the right way. Thanks!
My headlights won't come on. All the rest of the lights work -- cruise lights, brake lights, reverse lights, blinkers, hazards. Just not the headlights. Checked the voltage at the headlight sockets and it's registering voltage (however at lower than 12 volts.) Checked the headlights themselves by bypassing the switch and running them straight to the battery and they worked fine. Also checked the fuses and they were fine too.
So I know the switch is okay, the fuses are okay, and the headlights are okay. So where does this low voltage problem come from? Is there a relay I'm not aware of? Is it shorting out at a certain place (where should I check?) Is there a wire disconnected?
Right now I'm just running a bypass switch to get me home at night, but I'd really like to fix it the right way. Thanks!
#2
Never had anything other than a burnt bulb in any vehicle, sorry I don't have a suggestion but wonder did you flip the high beam to see if they work or not too? Were they working recently then suddenly quit working? maybe check the back side of the switch for loose or burnt connection, just trying to narrow things down?
Last edited by JFloors; 09-09-2015 at 08:12 PM.
#3
I am not familiar with a 2002,
But, on my '89, after current leaves the headlight switch, it then is routed to the hi/low dimmer switch, which is on the steering column next to the ignition switch.
Neither my headlamp switch or Dimmer switch pass current for the headlamps anymore, they only activate the relays I installed to get higher voltages to the bulbs to make them significantly brighter. As a result the dimmer switch contacts do not wear out anymore,
They were in horrible condition at one point, and my headlamp were sometimes flickering. I was able to open it up, stretch some springs and polish the contacts, rather than spend 70$ for a new switch.
But, on my '89, after current leaves the headlight switch, it then is routed to the hi/low dimmer switch, which is on the steering column next to the ignition switch.
Neither my headlamp switch or Dimmer switch pass current for the headlamps anymore, they only activate the relays I installed to get higher voltages to the bulbs to make them significantly brighter. As a result the dimmer switch contacts do not wear out anymore,
They were in horrible condition at one point, and my headlamp were sometimes flickering. I was able to open it up, stretch some springs and polish the contacts, rather than spend 70$ for a new switch.
#7