One-eyed monster: sealed beam question

Matt16 · 01-04-2009, 11:49 AM

I have sealed beam headlights. Passenger's side low beam doesn't work, be it with the daytime running lights, or turning it on with the stock. The high beams do though. In a sealed beam, there are two filaments are there not? Is it possible the filament for the low beam is burned out and the other is fine or is it most likely an electrical problem somewhere in the bowels of the steering column?

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**DeathCougar** · 01-04-2009, 11:53 AM

Yes there are two fillaments. Your low beam is just burned out, so replace the headlight.

muddpigg · 01-04-2009, 12:14 PM

Dc is right it is time to replace. But FYI the bulb on the inside of a sealed beam is very similar in shape just smaller than the 9004/H4. I thought that was funny long prongs extend from the bulb that go through the rear of the sealed beam to plug into the headlight harness.

Its worth the upgrade to convert.

overdrive00 · 01-04-2009, 12:29 PM

I deffinately suggest upgraded to an H4 head light as well!

used to have an H4 conversion. got into a wreck. truck got fixxed with sealed beam headlights. i hate them. you get way more light with an H4 set up.

i'll be doing one again but will be getting an HID kit along with it.

Matt16 · 01-04-2009, 01:14 PM

I just paid tuition. I'm going to have to be satisfied with "upgrading" to a working headlight for now.

Elton · 01-04-2009, 01:36 PM

see my ebay h4 conversion thread well worth the 40 bucks

86tuning · 01-04-2009, 02:26 PM

I got some used headlamps you can have if you want.

If you're looking for an upgrade, get the Hella H4 conversion, and put in a set of headlamp relays. Hella 72200 retails for around $120.

IMO, get the Hellas, or stick with stock type but go Halogen. Anything else isn't really a good value.

muddpigg · 01-04-2009, 03:31 PM

Dude school first. Stick with it. If money's tight get whatever keeps you legal and safe. Don't drive like a bat out of hades.

Matt16 · 01-04-2009, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86tuning

I got some used headlamps you can have if you want.

If you're looking for an upgrade, get the Hella H4 conversion, and put in a set of headlamp relays. Hella 72200 retails for around $120.

IMO, get the Hellas, or stick with stock type but go Halogen. Anything else isn't really a good value.

PM sent

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddpigg

Dude school first. Stick with it. If money's tight get whatever keeps you legal and safe. Don't drive like a bat out of hades.

Yep, school first. I get a pay check in a this Friday, so I might hold out til then. I've got fog lights so I'm running those as well all the time now. Should keep me visible.

drew303 · 01-05-2009, 12:40 AM

I think your up in Canada? I can't recall

but around here you get pulled over real quick when a headlights out. They're super cheap, I keep a spare one in my toolbox after I had one burn out in Seattle right as I was heading home to Olympia (hour drive) at 1am on a Saturday night (sunday morning) got pulled over 10 minutes from home by an ahole cop

so im prepared now never to deal with an ahole cop at 2am in the morning over a STUPID burnt out headlight.

=)

Matt16 · 01-05-2009, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drew303

I think your up in Canada? I can't recall

but around here you get pulled over real quick when a headlights out. They're super cheap, I keep a spare one in my toolbox after I had one burn out in Seattle right as I was heading home to Olympia (hour drive) at 1am on a Saturday night (sunday morning) got pulled over 10 minutes from home by an ahole cop

so im prepared now never to deal with an ahole cop at 2am in the morning over a STUPID burnt out headlight.

=)

Yes, Vancouver.

"Thanks officer for pointing it out, I'll get right on that."

Jay351 · 01-05-2009, 12:16 PM

if you can afford it Matt, go with the hella e-codes. They are the best 200mm style light I have ever seen.

the pattern is beautiful, output is awsume! Screw sealed beam!! Get a light that had some actual R&D put into the lense...

Bru · 01-05-2009, 02:00 PM

my 83 has 2 fuses for the headlights. highs worked but lows one was dim. replaced the light and same thing. looked at the fuses and one was dead. it might be something else to take a look at. I don't know if they are still like that or when they changed, but just something else to check.

Matt16 · 01-05-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bru

my 83 has 2 fuses for the headlights. highs worked but lows one was dim. replaced the light and same thing. looked at the fuses and one was dead. it might be something else to take a look at. I don't know if they are still like that or when they changed, but just something else to check.

Interesting. I'll look into that, I honestly can't remember if I have or have not seen such a fuse.

91Toyota · 01-05-2009, 02:37 PM

I got two silver stars for christmas last year. Had them on my truck for 3 months, and they both went out 2 weeks apart. Low beam completely went out...and replaced them with cheap lights. Works fine. But your low beam is burnt out

Matt16 · 01-05-2009, 04:45 PM

I've heard silverstars are great while the last, but they don't.

bigt · 01-05-2009, 05:28 PM

non of my gen2 runners or surf have sealed beams.. they all take light bulbs..

i think im parting a runner so i might have a pair up for sale soon

idanity · 01-05-2009, 07:15 PM

i bought a set of "nighthawks" by gm i think, and they are great...(but so are all new bulbs).
i got em at fred meyer/ walmart for about 9 bucks each.

i would also recomend aiming them too...

but as above, if you live near SEattle, i have an extra one you can just have...(i keep for a spare, but have 2 now)...

4Crawler · 01-05-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 91Toyota

I got two silver stars for christmas last year. Had them on my truck for 3 months, and they both went out 2 weeks apart. Low beam completely went out...and replaced them with cheap lights. Works fine. But your low beam is burnt out

Two common problems of premature halogen bulb failures are getting fingerprints on the bulbs while installing them (that makes dark spots on the bulb that overheat and burn out - i.e. do not touch the bulbs with your bare hands/fingers/etc.) and running with insufficient voltage at the bulb due to inadequate headlight wiring. Halogen type bulbs must get above a certain operating temperature (about 750F) in order for their internal halogen gas-tungsten vapor reaction to take place. If they don't get to that operating temperature, your fancy halogen bulb works more like an old fashioned flash bulb (i.e. they burn out very fast).

muddpigg · 01-05-2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Crawler

Halogen type bulbs must get above a certain operating temperature (about 750F) in order for their internal halogen gas-tungsten vapor reaction to take place. If they don't get to that operating temperature, your fancy halogen bulb works more like an old fashioned flash bulb (i.e. they burn out very fast).

Didn't know that about temp thanks.

Bako88 · 01-05-2009, 11:38 PM

I'm broke too. So when the passenger side went out, I bought two more sealed beams for $32.00. I don't know what the fuss is all about, headlights are headlights. If you need more light wait until about 6:30-7AM and drive then.

Matt16 · 01-06-2009, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bako88

I'm broke too. So when the passenger side went out, I bought two more sealed beams for $32.00. I don't know what the fuss is all about, headlights are headlights. If you need more light wait until about 6:30-7AM and drive then.

You've never been to Vancouver, Canada, right now, sun rises at 10:45 am, and sets at 2pm. You NEED good headlights.

Jay351 · 01-06-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bako88

I'm broke too. So when the passenger side went out, I bought two more sealed beams for $32.00. I don't know what the fuss is all about, headlights are headlights. If you need more light wait until about 6:30-7AM and drive then.

Because now I have a set of lenses that have been designed for years of use. Have had R&D put into the lense pattern. Plus I never have to throw one out to replace a burned out bulb.
And I get to pick and chose what kind of bulb I want to run

as for headlights are headlights?

no its not that cut and dry!

low-beam and unaimed!

Beaniam · 01-06-2009, 07:35 PM

Reading this thread this morning cursed me. One of my low beams went out on the way home tonight. 2 halogen replacements were $18 from advanced. I'm cheap and just went with sealed beam replacements.

Bako88 · 01-07-2009, 12:47 AM

Quote:

You've never been to Vancouver, Canada, right now, sun rises at 10:45 am, and sets at 2pm. You NEED good headlights.

You are right Matt. I am always the first to admit I am spoiled growing up in Southern California. I can't even imagine adjusting to 4 hours of sun and sub 0 temps. That's why there are 30+ million people crowded in down here in this little area. You guys are way tougher than me.

01-04-2009, 12:14 PM	#3 (permalink)
muddpigg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: injured and stateside :( Posts: 1,395	Dc is right it is time to replace. But FYI the bulb on the inside of a sealed beam is very similar in shape just smaller than the 9004/H4. I thought that was funny long prongs extend from the bulb that go through the rear of the sealed beam to plug into the headlight harness. Its worth the upgrade to convert. __________________ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqtr_RvR3sY Balljoints for sale. Open to trades and offers. http://www.yotatech.com/f11/ball-joi.../#post51278784

01-04-2009, 12:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
overdrive00 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver Posts: 56	I deffinately suggest upgraded to an H4 head light as well! used to have an H4 conversion. got into a wreck. truck got fixxed with sealed beam headlights. i hate them. you get way more light with an H4 set up. i'll be doing one again but will be getting an HID kit along with it. __________________ 1989 Toyota Hilux Double Cab

01-04-2009, 01:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
Elton Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Siletz,Oregon Posts: 10,648	see my ebay h4 conversion thread well worth the 40 bucks __________________ My Truck 98 4runner SR5 3.4L 5spd 4x4 E-Locker Mods Mom 07 Tundra d-cab limited 5.7L 4x4 auto sister 92 pickup SR5 X-cab 3.0L 5spd 4x4 Papa 89 Pickup SR5 X-cab 4x4 3.0L 5spd/98 4runner SR5 4x4 auto 3.4L R.I.P 91 4runner SR5 4x4 3.0L 5spd Totaled 5/13/06 My Wreck

01-04-2009, 02:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
86tuning Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 717	I got some used headlamps you can have if you want. If you're looking for an upgrade, get the Hella H4 conversion, and put in a set of headlamp relays. Hella 72200 retails for around $120. IMO, get the Hellas, or stick with stock type but go Halogen. Anything else isn't really a good value. __________________ - Brian 84 toy pickup mostly stock

01-04-2009, 03:31 PM	#8 (permalink)
muddpigg Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: injured and stateside :( Posts: 1,395	Dude school first. Stick with it. If money's tight get whatever keeps you legal and safe. Don't drive like a bat out of hades. __________________ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqtr_RvR3sY Balljoints for sale. Open to trades and offers. http://www.yotatech.com/f11/ball-joi.../#post51278784

01-05-2009, 12:40 AM	#10 (permalink)
drew303 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Olympia, WA Posts: 2,032	I think your up in Canada? I can't recall but around here you get pulled over real quick when a headlights out. They're super cheap, I keep a spare one in my toolbox after I had one burn out in Seattle right as I was heading home to Olympia (hour drive) at 1am on a Saturday night (sunday morning) got pulled over 10 minutes from home by an ahole cop so im prepared now never to deal with an ahole cop at 2am in the morning over a STUPID burnt out headlight. =) __________________ 1987 Pickup, single cab, 22R, new head, 260 cam TG 3" SAS, rear disc brakes, chromoly rear axles, Chromoly Birfs, Tcase brake, 37x12.50R15 MT/Rs, 5.29 gears, rear Aussie Locker, front Detroit Truetrac.

01-05-2009, 12:16 PM	#12 (permalink)
Jay351 Contributing Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: maple ridge, British Columbia, Canada Posts: 8,630	if you can afford it Matt, go with the hella e-codes. They are the best 200mm style light I have ever seen. the pattern is beautiful, output is awsume! Screw sealed beam!! Get a light that had some actual R&D put into the lense... __________________ 91 Pickup - xcab - 5sp - 3.0 - SR5 - 4x4 - 250k \|2.25" catback w/ magnaflow cat + glasspack \| Weasy2k cams \| Aisin manual hubs \| Diff breather mod\| Marlin HD clutch \|3" BL \| es3000's \|2" AAL \|1.5" bj spacers \| ISR \| Alpine headunit \| 4" Infinity fronts/5" rears \| 4.88's \|Rear lockright \| 33x12.50" BFG M/T on 15x8" steelies \|Hella 500's \|4" reverse lights\| Grant GT \|idler arm brace\|hella E-codes\| Marlin armor \|SS IFS brace \| %100 Amsoil synthetic http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2572486

01-05-2009, 02:00 PM	#13 (permalink)
Bru Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 28	my 83 has 2 fuses for the headlights. highs worked but lows one was dim. replaced the light and same thing. looked at the fuses and one was dead. it might be something else to take a look at. I don't know if they are still like that or when they changed, but just something else to check. __________________ Bru IYAAYAS!!! 83 P/U, 5" lift, 35" tires, locked and welded, and it will never be done www.BigHorn4x4Club.com www.U4WDA.org

01-05-2009, 05:28 PM	#17 (permalink)
bigt Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: chippawa niagara falls ontario Posts: 3,200	non of my gen2 runners or surf have sealed beams.. they all take light bulbs.. i think im parting a runner so i might have a pair up for sale soon __________________ 1991 HILUX SURF SSR-X turbo diesel right hand drive toyota imported in 2005 from japan, 130,000 km 31 bfg a/t auto current build 1987 LWB suzuki samurai. turning 2 into one.. yota axles welded front to back, yota springs , ifs steering box,, this bad boy will not only eat jeeps but toyotas aswell \m/

01-05-2009, 07:15 PM	#18 (permalink)
idanity Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: seattle WA Posts: 543	i bought a set of "nighthawks" by gm i think, and they are great...(but so are all new bulbs). i got em at fred meyer/ walmart for about 9 bucks each. i would also recomend aiming them too... but as above, if you live near SEattle, i have an extra one you can just have...(i keep for a spare, but have 2 now)... __________________ check my pc check again. you will know

01-05-2009, 11:38 PM	#21 (permalink)
Bako88 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Bakersfield, CA Posts: 148	I'm broke too. So when the passenger side went out, I bought two more sealed beams for $32.00. I don't know what the fuss is all about, headlights are headlights. If you need more light wait until about 6:30-7AM and drive then.

01-06-2009, 07:35 PM	#24 (permalink)
Beaniam Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Tabernacle, NJ Posts: 398	Reading this thread this morning cursed me. One of my low beams went out on the way home tonight. 2 halogen replacements were $18 from advanced. I'm cheap and just went with sealed beam replacements. __________________ 1993 Pickup Aussies front/rear 5.29's SAS 85 axle trussed and gussetted w/ HP third 30 spline longfields Trailgear IFS Eliminator 5"HD springs Rear 4" springs 37"x13" Boggers 4crawler 1" body lift Snorkel Warn Rockcrawler bumper Smittybilt rear bumper with some major reinforcing and recovery points 4xinnovations tube doors Champion 7500lb winch 2.5" Magnaflow exhaust Stacked through the bed

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