Electrical - headlights and dash lights

[kellydw]

Hi Guys
Recently purchased 1973 Cuda which has had a rally dash conversion. Problem being foot dimmer switch turns out headlights when pressed - already fitted new dimmer switch. Also can't seem to get dash lights working. Do they operate when the parking lights are turned on or just thru the dash dimmer control ? I suspect problems due to rally dash retrofit. Any ideas would be appreciated- Thanks

 

[72RoadRunnerGTX]

Assuming the replacement dimmer/foot switch is good, there’s an open between the dimmer switch and the lamps. Which circuit is working, the highs beam or low beams?

Dash illumination, should come on with the park lights, circuit routes from the headlight switch to the dash light dimmer, a dedicated fuse in the fuse box, then to the lamps. Would start at the fuse box, 5 amp fuse.

 

[kellydw]

Assuming the replacement dimmer/foot switch is good, there’s an open between the dimmer switch and the lamps. Which circuit is working, the highs beam or low beams?

Dash illumination, should come on with the park lights, circuit routs from the headlight switch to the dash light dimmer, a dedicated fuse in the fuse box, then to the lamps. Would start at the fuse box, 5 amp fuse.

Thanks for your speedy reply. Not sure if it is the high beams- have the whole dash apart now but I did check the fuses and in fact the top left fuse (which I think is #5) was blown. Just replaced it so not sure if that will solve both problems or not. Soon to find out.

 

[Challenger RTA]

There is a possibility the the dash lights might have shorted out from being apart. Or the sockets have an issue. Check it out while your there.

Dash lights a Brighter possibility

Dash lights a Brighter possibility. Took gauge cluster out to clean all connections. Found some light sockets rusted. Cleaned all cluster and switch terminals and grease. Had the dimmer switch out and jumped with a wire while working on it. I think I still have a problem with the socket for the...

www.forebodiesonly.com

 

[kellydw]

There is a possibility the the dash lights might have shorted out from being apart. Or the sockets have an issue. Check it out while your there.

http://[URL]https://www.forebodiesonly.com/forum/threads/dash-lights-a-brighter-possibility.34086/

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I have put all new bulbs in and the sockets were in good shape. Number 5 fuse was blown and that is probably the dash light issue - haven't tested yet. But still have the problem with the dimmer switch turning out the headlights. There is continuity to each side of the switched when pressed for high and low beam but lights only work on one side. Thanks

 

[kellydw]

Assuming the replacement dimmer/foot switch is good, there’s an open between the dimmer switch and the lamps. Which circuit is working, the highs beam or low beams?

Dash illumination, should come on with the park lights, circuit routes from the headlight switch to the dash light dimmer, a dedicated fuse in the fuse box, then to the lamps. Would start at the fuse box, 5 amp fuse.

Assuming the replacement dimmer/foot switch is good, there’s an open between the dimmer switch and the lamps. Which circuit is working, the highs beam or low beams?

Dash illumination, should come on with the park lights, circuit routes from the headlight switch to the dash light dimmer, a dedicated fuse in the fuse box, then to the lamps. Would start at the fuse box, 5 amp fuse.

New dimmer switch is working and so was the old one - has continuity to highs and lows when pressed for each side. Where else do you think the open to the headlights might be? If high beam lamp doesn't light up when the headlights are on I guess I can assume that it is the low beams that work and the high beams don't come on when the dimmer switch is pressed ????

 

[72RoadRunnerGTX]

New dimmer switch is working and so was the old one - has continuity to highs and lows when pressed for each side. Where else do you think the open to the headlights might be? If high beam lamp doesn't light up when the headlights are on I guess I can assume that it is the low beams that work and the high beams don't come on when the dimmer switch is pressed ????

For the headlights, the only connection between the foot switch and the lamp sockets is the bulkhead connector. Start at the lamps, with the headlight switch on, check for voltage on the red wire (high beam) and the violet wire (low beam). Then check both sides of the bulkhead connector on those same wires in the forward lighting harness. Should also have a high beam indicator in the cluster when the foot switch is in the high position. Also be sure the lamp ground ring terminal is connected, core support near the battery.

 

[kellydw]

For the headlights, the only connection between the foot switch and the lamp sockets is the bulkhead connector. Start at the lamps, with the headlight switch on, check for voltage on the red wire (high beam) and the violet wire (low beam). Then check both sides of the bulkhead connector on those same wires in the forward lighting harness. Should also have a high beam indicator in the cluster when the foot switch is in the high position. Also be sure the lamp ground ring terminal is connected, core support near the battery.

Thanks - I will try this next and let you know.

 

[kellydw]

Tried testing for voltage at the headlights and had power at both the high and low beam terminals after pressing the dimmer switch. Then tested continuity on the bulbs and believe it or not both bulbs are burned out on the low beams. I have been fu--ing around this for some time now and who would have guessed this to be the problem. Thanks again for your help -really appreciate it.

 

[EW1BH27]

Wow, what are the odds. That would throw anyone off on a tangent. Glad you solved it.

 

[kellydw]

Wow, what are the odds. That would throw anyone off on a tangent. Glad you solved it.

You bet

 

[Hermon Davis]

Also remember the dash lights are ground to the metal dash frame.

 

[kellydw]

Also remember the dash lights are ground to the metal dash frame.

yeh -if they don't work when I get everything back together, I'll check that out- Thanks