Permanent high beam indicator
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville NC
Permanent high beam indicator
My drivers side headlight quit working on low beam. I picked up a couple of new headlights but when I went to replace the non-working one, I found that one of the wires was loose - it had worked it's way out of the black plastic connector. Then when I pulled the connector off the light, all three wires were lose. I put the connector back together and replaced both head lights. (The old ones were getting dim anyway.) After buttoning everything back up, the lights work fine. I can change from high to low beam, both lights work in both modes. (And the difference between the old lights and the new Silver Stars is quite noticiable.) However, the high beam indicator now stays on all the time. I've looked at the wiring diagram and I don't see anything I could have done to cause this issue. Anyone ever seen this before or have any idea what could cause it?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
The high beam indicator is wired in parallel with the high beam filaments on your headlights. You must have a wiring defect where the high beam indicator is connected to 12v somehow. On my 87 the high beam power wire goes to F8 on the firewall connector and is a light green wire. Since you don't post what year vette you are asking help for, this is the best I can do for you. No one on the forum is clairvoyant! 
I recommend you trace the high beam wire.
I recommend you trace the high beam wire.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 579
Likes: 2
From: High Bridge New Jersey
I
My drivers side headlight quit working on low beam. I picked up a couple of new headlights but when I went to replace the non-working one, I found that one of the wires was loose - it had worked it's way out of the black plastic connector. Then when I pulled the connector off the light, all three wires were lose. I put the connector back together and replaced both head lights. (The old ones were getting dim anyway.) After buttoning everything back up, the lights work fine. I can change from high to low beam, both lights work in both modes. (And the difference between the old lights and the new Silver Stars is quite noticiable.) However, the high beam indicator now stays on all the time. I've looked at the wiring diagram and I don't see anything I could have done to cause this issue. Anyone ever seen this before or have any idea what could cause it?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 15
From: backwoods upstate ny
high/low filaments share a common ground lead...poor/open ground at either bulb will 'backfeed' the 'high' beam circuit while 'low' beam is selected and dash teletale will illuminate.
unplug one headlight and try hi/lo beam, if telltale stays on for both beams, unplug the second (leave first unplugged) and retry hi/lo beams...if unplugging either hdlt returns telltale to 'normal', prob is at that bulb/plug...if telltale still illuminates with both bulbs unplugged check wiring harness, esp at ends where plastic jacket aging/shrinking may cause conductor contact.
unplug one headlight and try hi/lo beam, if telltale stays on for both beams, unplug the second (leave first unplugged) and retry hi/lo beams...if unplugging either hdlt returns telltale to 'normal', prob is at that bulb/plug...if telltale still illuminates with both bulbs unplugged check wiring harness, esp at ends where plastic jacket aging/shrinking may cause conductor contact.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
From: Fayetteville Georgia
high/low filaments share a common ground lead...poor/open ground at either bulb will 'backfeed' the 'high' beam circuit while 'low' beam is selected and dash teletale will illuminate.
unplug one headlight and try hi/lo beam, if telltale stays on for both beams, unplug the second (leave first unplugged) and retry hi/lo beams...if unplugging either hdlt returns telltale to 'normal', prob is at that bulb/plug...if telltale still illuminates with both bulbs unplugged check wiring harness, esp at ends where plastic jacket aging/shrinking may cause conductor contact.
unplug one headlight and try hi/lo beam, if telltale stays on for both beams, unplug the second (leave first unplugged) and retry hi/lo beams...if unplugging either hdlt returns telltale to 'normal', prob is at that bulb/plug...if telltale still illuminates with both bulbs unplugged check wiring harness, esp at ends where plastic jacket aging/shrinking may cause conductor contact.
LOW
__
GND - | | - HIGH
Good luck.
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 108
Likes: 1
From: West Union SC
Me Too!
My '95 indicates high beams on for several minutes after I switch back to low beams, then the indicator clears. I will check the ground wires and plug wiring tonight and see which of these problems I have - thanks everyone for sharing!!
