Headlight problem

[Chfsfn2]

During our recent trip across the state of Iowa on RAGBRAI, we encountered a problem with our headlights. Whenever we switch to the low beams, the headlights go off completely. The high beams still work fine, just no low.

Any thoughts on a problem? Could one low beam headlight burning out cause both to go out, or could we be looking at a problem in the switch?

Any help is appreciated!

[Kirbystud]

My frist thing that comes to my mind is a ground problem.... Get a jumper wire and hook it to the frame and then to the ground wire on the back of the headlight then see if they work right..

[lapeer20m]

headlights are wired in paralell, not series. One burned out light should have no effect on the other. Also, since the lights work properly in High Beam mode, it's probably not a ground.

i would use a test light or volt meter to measure current going through the low beam wire at one of the headlights. It's most likely not getting any current.

if no current at the headlight, i'd check for current at the hi/low beam switch. If there is current on the low beam side of the switch, the problem is in the wire between the switch and the headlight....

if there is no current at the low beam side of the switch, the switch is your problem.

I have my money on the switch being bad.......

[Steve]

I would also guess a grounding problem. I have worked on a lot of old cars and that is usually the problem.

[Garry]

Originally Posted by Chfsfn2

During our recent trip across the state of Iowa on RAGBRAI, we encountered a problem with our headlights. Whenever we switch to the low beams, the headlights go off completely. The high beams still work fine, just no low.

Any thoughts on a problem? Could one low beam headlight burning out cause both to go out, or could we be looking at a problem in the switch?

Any help is appreciated!

Don't dismiss the chance that both high beams are burned out. More common than one would think. One goes out and isn't noticed , then the other one goes out.
Garry

[Chfsfn2]

Thanks for the advice! I checked it out this weekend, turns out there was a loose wire going into the floor switch. Added a new connector and all is well!