Low beam headlights?
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
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Low beam headlights?
Need NYS inspection. Put it off since the low beams refuse to work.
Now I need the inspection and have to fix the low beams. IF I disconnect one head light (either one), the low beam will work on the remain light. IF both lights are hooked up only high beams work.
Any one ever have this happen and the fix?
Now I need the inspection and have to fix the low beams. IF I disconnect one head light (either one), the low beam will work on the remain light. IF both lights are hooked up only high beams work.
Any one ever have this happen and the fix?
Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 610
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There's only one ground in a headlight circuit. It works with both high and low beams by grounding one of the three pins. The dimmer switch applies 12vdc alternately to one of the two remaining prongs on the headlight depending on whether you want high or low.
You have something wired wrong.
You have something wired wrong.
Last edited by M. Schumacher; Jul 24, 2010 at 11:45 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Avon CT
Did You do anything like replace a head light before this started ? Like was previous stated one ground per light two different sources of power . The only thing that makes sence is wiring if You messed with that or if You changed head lights and there the wrong resistance value for low beams . I put halogen type headlights in a 1990 Eagle Talon and had a hell of a time figuring out how to wire them so the high and low beam's would work .
So just a thought as to what if anything You did before this started to the car .
So just a thought as to what if anything You did before this started to the car .
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
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Nothing was done to the headlights in four + years, since I installed halogen lights. The headlights / fog lights were working as factory design since I upgraded it until recently. The left headlight motor nylon bushings have gone and I just repaired that this week.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Avon CT
Did the problem start before You worked on the headlight ? If yes try probing socket with a meter as suggested . Wiring diagram shows ground on center pin of socket . Battery on either other pin depending weather high or low beam selected . If plugs check out try running a temperary ground to the center pin of either head light and see what happens . If low beam starts working You have a bad ground .
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Thanks for the input. M. Schumacher, unfortunately I don't have any seal beams left. The upgrade worked and no problem for four years, cleaned the garage and tossed them. TomP, the problem started in May, 2010. I just repaired the left hand headlight motor July 22, 2010. The halogen upgrade was done back in 2006. Was hoping someone may have experienced this problem. Once I find out I'll let you know.
With 20+ year old wiring / parts funny things start happening, that is why I'm thinking its the switch ($40 for the early C-4) or a wire in the headlight assembly that moves slightly each time they are rotaed.
With 20+ year old wiring / parts funny things start happening, that is why I'm thinking its the switch ($40 for the early C-4) or a wire in the headlight assembly that moves slightly each time they are rotaed.
Last edited by seenalot; Jul 26, 2010 at 08:42 AM.
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Instructor
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Have solved the problem. M.Schumacher was onto part of the solution, "using an old seal beam". The higher heat of the Halogen 4 help deterirate the headlight socket. The added wear and tear rotating headlights and mounted in the clamshell caused the low beam filament to wear out. New sockets and old style seal beams have solved this problem.
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While the "three prongs" for the Halogen 4 look similar to the three prongs of a standard seal beam headlight there is a difference. The halogen is newer and modern sockets have "spring" like connector that make better contact over time.
Guess my upgrade didn't last over time.
What sucks was the $180 fine for inproper lights and expired inspection. Knew car couldn't pass without lowbeams. Should have FIXED the lights or not driven at night.
Guess my upgrade didn't last over time.
What sucks was the $180 fine for inproper lights and expired inspection. Knew car couldn't pass without lowbeams. Should have FIXED the lights or not driven at night.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: North Port FL
Need NYS inspection. Put it off since the low beams refuse to work.
Now I need the inspection and have to fix the low beams. IF I disconnect one head light (either one), the low beam will work on the remain light. IF both lights are hooked up only high beams work.
Any one ever have this happen and the
fix?
Now I need the inspection and have to fix the low beams. IF I disconnect one head light (either one), the low beam will work on the remain light. IF both lights are hooked up only high beams work.
Any one ever have this happen and the
fix?
