lebowski

My headlights in my 86 pickup won't come on. The fog and dash lights come on but when I switch to the headlights my bright indicator comes on but nothing from my headlights. I have tried replacing my relay and checked my fuses but have not found a solution.

jennygirl

I would check voltage at the headlight connector and go from there.

Also I would check voltage at the battery, if it drops significantly you must have a short. Possibly someone else here knows more about the exact wiring

KBAM

I vote short. Do you have one of the upgraded headlight harnesses? Or 100% stock?

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

A short would cause either circuit protection to open pretty sparks or a chance to meet the local fire fighters.

A open circuit would be anything that does not allow the circuit to be complete .

Could be both headlights have failed rare but it could happen.

Did you replace the relay with the correct one having the pins wired the same.

Check for voltage at the head lights fuses ??

The headlights get the ground at the left door post behind the trim piece.

You need to break out the Meter and do some checking !!

rustypigeon

This is likely caused by a poor connection at the dimmer switch. These connections often become hot and charred giving high resistance. Since the dimmer switch connection is providing high resistance, the lights ground themselves out through the high beam indicator.

Do your high beams or flash to pass lights work? Knowing his will help pinpoint the exact fault in the circuit.

lebowski

The high beams and flash to pass lights are still functioning correctly

millball

Likey that you need to clean the lo beam contacts in the multi-function switch.

Search, there a thread or two on doing it . Fixed the lights on my '87.

rustypigeon

That almost certainly tells us that pin 6 of the dimmer switch connector is the bad contact. Pin 6 is the connector with the red wire with the green stripe.

Since your high beams and flashers work correctly, the ground connection for the dimmer switch is not the problem area.

EDIT: I just realized your is an '86. The connector pin may be different but the wire should still be red with a green stripe.

Terrys87

iTrader: (1)

Here is the normal fix for them>>> https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f199...l#post51724567

RAD4Runner

Concur...

Yes, Red wire with green stripe.

Retarded circuit design that subjects dimmer switch combo to high currents caused this. Once you fix this, I highly recommend the H4 harness upgrade to:
1) Help extend the life of your dimmer switch, AND
2) Give you brighter lights. See my post for voltage drops lost on stock wiring etc, instead of going to the bulbs.

Odin

RATS!
Pretty sure that's the same garbage that makes Jeep owners so happy about their dim headlights. Some of them have upgraded their headlight harness even though they still use the stock headlights.

Thanks for making me aware of this and costing me more time and money guys lol

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

I have been running mine like that for ever and I always drive with the lights on.

I know all about the upgrade just never had a reason or need to do it

RAD4Runner

Regarding cleaning switch contact I wud stay away from using very coarse abrasive. U only really need to remove oxodation. Use contact cleaner first and clean rag.. If that doesn't work, use finest grit abrasive u can find. I use super fine lapping film. Not sure what grit but very fine.

Odin

After spraying contacts down with electronical contact cleaner I'll spray them down with Deox-It by Caig Labs. It's not the cheapest thing but it's the only spray that I've found to help without elbow grease. I actually like to use it over dielectric grease on damn near everything but the rubber on sparkplug boots.

If a contact needs more aggressive treatment and it's not enclosed I'll use 0000 Super Fine steel wool and blow it off with compressed air. If it's something enclosed the fine lapping compound sounds good.

If anyone isn't aware of 0000 steel wool it is not very aggressive. Automotive detailing shops use it for removing impurities from window glass and chrome. It must be 0000 Super Fine though.

revsam937

It has taken me almost an hour reset my password. None of the ones you sent worked, except the last one! Just thought you ought to know your software has some bugs in it!