Strange headlight gremlin...

[LtFuzz]

So now, suddenly, both my headlights are incredibly dim -- not even enough power to cast a beam.

Both batteries are fine.

Two bulbs dying at the *exact* same time? Possible, I guess... but really?

The strangest part is that now my High Beam indicator light is permanently on. The headlights do not respond to the normal configurations of Off, Park, On, High Beam (click.) They're either On (high beam indicator light on), or Off (high beam indicator gone, lights remain on.) But the lights won't instantly come on when I fire up the truck (with the lights in the Off positon.) It's only when I run through the different modes. Am I making any sense here?

Anyone seen this one before? Sounds like my first experience with a true Rover electrical gremlin.

I haven't had a chance yet to pull the headlights and snoop around for a funky connection. I imagine that's where I'll start unless you gurus point me in another direction.

 

[4xdog]

In my old Cherokee that was *always* a sign of a short in the headlight wiring loom.

 

[LtFuzz]

In my old Cherokee that was *always* a sign of a short in the headlight wiring loom.

A-ha.

Did you find the short in an individual headlight wire? Or further up the chain?

The issue I think I'll have troubleshooting is the clean-but-different wiring of my 6.2 conversion.

 

[4xdog]

My short -- twice -- was in the wires that run from the twinned first headlight connector to the second headlight. A voltmeter will probably get to the issue pretty quickly. Gotta watch for bad grounds, too, but I'd check for a short between high beam and low beam circuits.

 

[LtFuzz]

Thanks for the info dude.

Man, I can barely wrap my head around internal combustion... and now this truck demands electrical proficiency from me? It is being very optimistic. :victory:

 

[UnfrozenCaveman]

My money's on the hi-lo beam switch in the steering column.

 

[fishEH]

My money's on the hi-lo beam switch in the steering column.

Yep, they're notorious for crapping out.

 

[LtFuzz]

My money's on the hi-lo beam switch in the steering column.

Interesting. Pull it out?

Am I looking for a fried wire or something? Bad connection?

 

[UnfrozenCaveman]

"Someone" installs higher wattage bulbs than o.e.

The thin copper contacts inside the switch get hot.

Underlying plastic melts.

Switchy no workie.

 

[Gooseberry]

bad ground. its easy to check just jumper to the frame and see it light up. ya make sure its the neg side or you will light up.