Headlights - Brights only

[mikewags]

This isn't really a major emergency, although it kind of sucks when driving at night. My headlights will only work on BRIGHT mode; which can be a nuisance for other drivers; and potentially land me a ticket.

Any ideas on why the low beams won't work? A switch, fuse, or even the headlights themselves perhaps?

Any suggestions are much appreciated!

[EScanlon]

Check the common ground (Black) wire between the Combination Switches (on the steering column, RH is Lights/Wiper; LH is Turn Signal).

You don't mention that your wiper or horns are having trouble, so this may be a bit of a red-herring, but that's one place to begin.

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[mikewags]

Horns/Wipers work fine. I'll look up the wire you speak of my service manual.

Question: The lows/highs use the same bulb right? (meaning this is def. a wiring issue/not a burnt bulb?)

[240Zen]

If you guys don't mind...I have a headlight question of my own. Ihe did a great recently had my combination switch and turnsignal switch rebuilt by Dave (Zs-ondabrain). He did a great job, but when I re-installed them back in the car, I had not headlights at all. Any suggestions would be a great help. Thanks!

[EScanlon]

Bil (240Zen); you might contact Dave and see what he says.

Check that you have both fuses R & L in the fuse box, and you've checked them for continuity (and not IN the fuse box)? If so, another item to check is the Black wire that connects both switches (T/S and Light/Wiper halves) together.

FWIW

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[EScanlon]

Mikewags:

Unless you've modified the front end of your car so that it isn't the one in your avatar, then you have a single bulb housing with dual filaments. Whether it is the Sealed Beam unit or an H4 Bulb housing depends on whether someone has upgraded it's lamps to use the more modern bulb. But in either case it is ONE bulb with two filaments.

Could it be that both low beams are out? Yes. To check that, disconnect the individual lights at the front of the car. You'll find their connections at the center valance of the car, just inboard of the fender support. They'll probably be within a few inches of the horn respective of side. After disconnecting, you should be able to check for both voltages (harness connection) and continuity (lamp connector) to both filaments. That will tell you where to continue checking.

FWIW

E