Headlight problems again

Headlights to tailights and everything in between.

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91White-T
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Headlight problems again

Post by 91White-T »

Well, my headlights have gone from just flickering to completely shutting off randomly :x
Sometimes they'll shut off while I'm driving, and others they just won't turn on at all, and I tried kicking em and that won't fix em (usually works for most things) Any ideas?? I'm starting to be afraid to drive at night.
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vrg3
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Post by vrg3 »

When they shut off do they stay off? It's hard to diagnose the problem when it's intermittent, but if you can get the lights stuck off you can check which part of the circuit is at fault.

In the meantime you might consider putting in another harness for your lights in case you do get stuck on the side of the road with no lights. Go to an auto parts store and get a couple of these:

http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detaile ... n.asp?2614

Attach a wire to the common terminal and put a ring terminal on the end of it so you can ground it, and attach a wire with a fuseholder inline to the low beam terminal, with a ring terminal on the end that you can fit onto your positive battery terminal. That way if you carry a 10mm wrench you'll be able to use this as an emergency backup.
"Just reading vrg3's convoluted, information-packed posts made me feel better all over again." -- subyluvr2212
91White-T
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Post by 91White-T »

When they shut off they stayed off for a few minutes then came back on, but when they didn't turn on at all I just left it and came back in about an hour and they came on... :?
Also, I just remembered, when they're not working the high beam indicator also doesn't light up, I don't know if that means anything but I'll mention it anyway.
98 Ford Contour V6 24V 5MT
98 Chevy Camaro Z28 LS1 6MT
91 Rio Red SS 5MT Sold
91 Flat Black Wagon L+ 4EAT RIP
91 Pearl White SS 4EAT RIP
91White-T
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Post by 91White-T »

Damn it! They're now not working at all, what should I check?? The bulbs are fine, and the relays all look ok. :evil: :evil: :evil:
98 Ford Contour V6 24V 5MT
98 Chevy Camaro Z28 LS1 6MT
91 Rio Red SS 5MT Sold
91 Flat Black Wagon L+ 4EAT RIP
91 Pearl White SS 4EAT RIP
vrg3
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Post by vrg3 »

Well, it looks like you'll have to trace through the whole circuit... :(

If you don't have a copy yet, download to your hard drive:
http://www.main.experiencetherave.com:8 ... Wiring.pdf

Start at page 306 (headlight wiring diagram). You may need to refer back to page 293 (power distribution).
"Just reading vrg3's convoluted, information-packed posts made me feel better all over again." -- subyluvr2212
91White-T
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Post by 91White-T »

I bought a couple of 9004 plugs and wired them into my old fog light switch, so now I have headlights. The relay that I thought was at fault costs 40$, so it looks like I'm using the ghetto wired headlights for a while... :lol:
98 Ford Contour V6 24V 5MT
98 Chevy Camaro Z28 LS1 6MT
91 Rio Red SS 5MT Sold
91 Flat Black Wagon L+ 4EAT RIP
91 Pearl White SS 4EAT RIP
vrg3
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Post by vrg3 »

Hehehe... Does your high beam circuit still work?

Do you mean the little headlight relays in the fuse box? PM me; I have some working used ones.
"Just reading vrg3's convoluted, information-packed posts made me feel better all over again." -- subyluvr2212
91White-T
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Post by 91White-T »

I didn't wire in both high and low beams, because I only have a 2 postion switch. They're permanent high beams aimed down a little bit, I'll probably just keep it this way since it works fine.
98 Ford Contour V6 24V 5MT
98 Chevy Camaro Z28 LS1 6MT
91 Rio Red SS 5MT Sold
91 Flat Black Wagon L+ 4EAT RIP
91 Pearl White SS 4EAT RIP
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Post by vrg3 »

Why would you choose to wire them as high beams permanently on? Even aimed downwards the beam pattern is all wrong.

What I meant was, does your stock high beam circuit still work?
"Just reading vrg3's convoluted, information-packed posts made me feel better all over again." -- subyluvr2212
91White-T
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Post by 91White-T »

To answer your question, the low beams are pathetically weak, and it's either wrong beam pattern or no headlights at all...

And the stock circuit works sometimes, but I'm gonna wait until it gets a little warmer out to figure out what the hell's wrong with it.
98 Ford Contour V6 24V 5MT
98 Chevy Camaro Z28 LS1 6MT
91 Rio Red SS 5MT Sold
91 Flat Black Wagon L+ 4EAT RIP
91 Pearl White SS 4EAT RIP
evolutionmovement
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Post by evolutionmovement »

The low beams shouldn't be that bad (of course I eat my carrots, so maybe its good night vision :wink: ). Maybe there was a wiring issue to begin with that didn't allow the lights to get full power. Not saying these lights are amazing either, but I'm just throwing out that maybe the actual lights aren't the problem. I thought these lights were pretty good after my '74 Datsun. It was like two little gnomes inside the fenders holding candles in front of a reflector.

Steve
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ciper
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Post by ciper »

I agree. A chart exists somewhere that shows the light output compared to voltage. It drops off pretty fast so even a small wiring issue could reduce the lighting.
scubaroo
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head light problem

Post by scubaroo »

It sounds to me like it is one of to problems. First check the headlight switch. I had a 88 nissan pulsar nx which the right headlight was dimmer than the left i replaced it to no avail it was still dim i checked the voltage at the light and it was about 8 volts just for fun i replaced the switch (because i had a spare) and problem solved. second My haynes didn't show it but their might be a circuit braker for the head lights that is going bad. learnd that from my first car a 70 ford (back road dark night head lights blinking on and off. glad i put on fog lights). :D
Drive to live, Live to drive!
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