76 Vette Head light problems
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 368
Likes: 4
From: . New Zealand
76 Vette Head light problems
When I bought my Vette, I did not need to use the Head lights for some time, so I was surprised that the lighting was pathetic when I did need them.
I thought I would fix that by fitting halogen bulbs, 55W which did do a much better job of lighting, but now I have a problem, the lights are bright when first switched on, but then get dim, then flicker, I thought it might be the dimmer switch, but that has not helped matters.
Do the 76's have a headlight relay, if so where is it located?
Any help would be great, as we are closing on the winter monthes, down here downunder.
I thought I would fix that by fitting halogen bulbs, 55W which did do a much better job of lighting, but now I have a problem, the lights are bright when first switched on, but then get dim, then flicker, I thought it might be the dimmer switch, but that has not helped matters.
Do the 76's have a headlight relay, if so where is it located?
Any help would be great, as we are closing on the winter monthes, down here downunder.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Tyler TX.
1. have the battery tested- maybe its getting into it's 'final days'.
2. check alternator output @ 1500 rpm. Flickering/dim usually occurs at idle and levels out (up) at or above 1500. Should be charging at 13.5 to 14.5 volts.
2. check alternator output @ 1500 rpm. Flickering/dim usually occurs at idle and levels out (up) at or above 1500. Should be charging at 13.5 to 14.5 volts.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 1
From: Ontario
Like Dragon said, its normal for the lights to go dim at idle. Additional electrical loads like big stereo amplifiers or electric fans will make this problem more noticeable and you may have to upgrade you alternator to a higher current one.
Sounds like your lights are losing voltage, due to something in the path getting resistive or opening. Start with a visual inspection of the wires and see if you can find any signs of rubbing or wear.
You may want to make sure all the electrical connections are clean & tight; places like the bulb sockets and the contacts of any electrical connectors. There should be no dirt or oxidation and the connections should be tight. If you notice the lights flickering when you go over bumps this would be a promising avenue of investigation. Use sandpaper if you have to.
If you don't find anything obvious with the visual inspection start probing around with a voltmeter. If you find a component (like a switch, connector or wire) that has +12V in but way less out, thats probably the problem.
Sounds like your lights are losing voltage, due to something in the path getting resistive or opening. Start with a visual inspection of the wires and see if you can find any signs of rubbing or wear.
You may want to make sure all the electrical connections are clean & tight; places like the bulb sockets and the contacts of any electrical connectors. There should be no dirt or oxidation and the connections should be tight. If you notice the lights flickering when you go over bumps this would be a promising avenue of investigation. Use sandpaper if you have to.
If you don't find anything obvious with the visual inspection start probing around with a voltmeter. If you find a component (like a switch, connector or wire) that has +12V in but way less out, thats probably the problem.
Last edited by Boofers; Mar 20, 2006 at 02:21 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Check this out. This is the correct answer for headlight brightness
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...adlights.shtml
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...adlights.shtml
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 368
Likes: 4
From: . New Zealand
I Agree
Originally Posted by SIXFOOTER
Check this out. This is the correct answer for headlight brightness
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...adlights.shtml
http://www.madelectrical.com/electri...adlights.shtml
Battery and alternator are fine, the clue is the bright lights when switched on, then reverting to a pulsing dim light, this is caused by the bi metallic strip preventing overload of the switch.
By fitting relays, the only duties of the dimmer switch and light switch will be to trigger the relays.
On another matter, the fuse panel is hard to see, is there a trick I am missing, i.e. does it swing down or something?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by Thmprr
..On another matter, the fuse panel is hard to see, is there a trick I am missing, i.e. does it swing down or something?
