IamaFan

ok, so a few years ago I bought some cheapo American Auto Accessories driving lights and was only able to get them to work by not grounding the switch. I later took them out because this didn't seem like a good idea. I tried to mount them again recently, this time grounding the switch, and it worked up until i shut the hood, after which time, they worked for a second, then stopped working. I checked all the connections and the fuse and they all seem to be fine. I even tried disconnecting the ground again, but that didn't work this time. The only thing I can really think of being the cause is I'm not using the switch that came with the lights, but am instead using an illuminated one from radio shack. Does this make a difference, like the switch puts all the current into the ground for some reason or anything like that? Any ideas as to why the lights stopped working after I slammed the hood besides stuff possibly coming loose? thanks.

RTdawgs

i think that's your problem

try using the switch that came with it, or a similar one. if that doesnt work, use testing wires with gator clips to see if your lights work (clip the + on the light to the + on your battery and the - on the lights to the - on the battery). if they come on, then you prob need to re-do your connections and prob change your ground, too. if they dont come on when connected to the battery, change the bulbs and start all over again.

good luck

jacksonpt

Start off by eliminating as many variables as possible. Wire them directly to the battery and see if they run. If then do, then hook them into the headlights/foglights/ignition or whatever you are using as switched power (if you are using switched power). If they work there, then hook them into the switch.

Do you have a voltmeter? If not, get one and make it your friend. You can test where/when you're getting power. It will make troubleshooting easier.

If they worked fine until you shut the hood, it sounds like you might have a loose connection some where. I know you said you checked your connections, but also check the connection between the physical copper wire and however you terminated the wire (ring/spade connectors, whatever).

Colemanfu

Good idea to back track starting with the lights to make sure they work. Just check all the connections just like the other guys said and follow the dirgram on the switch package. I also know that some switches that light up need a low voltage wire to make them work. I ran mine off the parking lights. So I have to have the PL's on to run my driving lights. Not an expert but this may be the solution. Let us know what you find and good luck.