Enjoy 5% OFF at VEVOR Canada! and Support Canadian Poncho at the Same Time!
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Canadian Poncho Homepage -> Canadian Poncho -> 58-64 Full Size Power Train Tech Forum -> High beam/Low beam issue
Post Info TOPIC: High beam/Low beam issue
meowy84


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 54
Date:
High beam/Low beam issue
Permalink  

I'm not sure if this is the right section but since I couldn't find an electrical section here it goes. So my issue is this: when I pull the knob to turn the lights on on my '61 all 4 headlights go on (both low and high beams). When I click/step on the floor dimmer switch instead of going to low beams all 4 headlamps go off. I have to click the dimmer again and then again all 4 headlights return. Any ideas? 



__________________
rabbit64cs


Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 7183
Date:
Permalink  

Check your grounds...

__________________

later...rog

AADD supporting member !!
I'm a collector...not a builder!!Located in sunny central Saskatchewan at the lakehead!
Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons
Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons
JC2+2


Poncho Master!

Status: Offline
Posts: 1767
Date:
Permalink  

I agree. Check for power at the low beam lights. No power - dimmer switch. Power - burnt out low beams.



__________________

'68 Parisienne 2+2 Convertible Matador Red (Resale Red but not for sale).
meowy84


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 54
Date:
Permalink  

As always, thanks for the tips guys.

Ok, the dimmer switch is a definite possibility, I'll check that first. As for the headlights, yes headlights are the correct ones because all electrical worked fine before the car went into storage 7 years ago. But I will check if the low beam filaments are burnt out.

P.S. What exactly on the dimmer switch goes bad (the connections corrode perhaps?)? Is it possible to disassemble and clean the dimmer switch contacts (I'm on a budget, have more time than money so would rather recondition/clean/etc rather than buy new if possible)?



-- Edited by meowy84 on Monday 14th of October 2013 08:49:02 PM



-- Edited by meowy84 on Monday 14th of October 2013 08:51:33 PM

__________________
4SPEED427


A Poncho Legend!

Status: Offline
Posts: 50202
Date:
Permalink  

Agreed, dimmer switch first choice, 2 burnt out low beam filaments, second choice.

__________________

1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
4SPEED427


A Poncho Legend!

Status: Offline
Posts: 50202
Date:
Permalink  

The outers are the low beam.

You could check the connections but if that's not it, I don't think you can take it apart. They are very cheap to buy anyway.

__________________

1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
4SPEED427


A Poncho Legend!

Status: Offline
Posts: 50202
Date:
Permalink  

Also still available at your dealer for slightly more, $18.10. 12338706

I didnt check how far back it fits. That number is for 65-76 at least, but I am pretty sure it covers a lot more years.

__________________

1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons
Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons
MC


Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 7689
Date:
Permalink  

Carl Stevenson wrote:

Also still available at your dealer for slightly more, $18.10. 12338706

I didnt check how far back it fits. That number is for 65-76 at least, but I am pretty sure it covers a lot more years.

 Now there's a source I would not have thought of.   Do GM dealers still stock a number of parts that fit back that far?



__________________
4SPEED427


A Poncho Legend!

Status: Offline
Posts: 50202
Date:
Permalink  

Yes, you would be amazed at what is still around. Don't be shy to ask on here, or send me a PM. We also have a GM parts manager from Alberta as a member here. One of us can certainly try to help you with part numbers.

I have the majority of GM parts catalogues at home for reference for the vehicles back to WWII, and older in some cases.

__________________

1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
MC


Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Status: Offline
Posts: 7689
Date:
Permalink  

Carl Stevenson wrote:

Yes, you would be amazed at what is still around. Don't be shy to ask on here, or send me a PM. We also have a GM parts manager from Alberta as a member here. One of us can certainly try to help you with part numbers.

I have the majority of GM parts catalogues at home for reference for the vehicles back to WWII, and older in some cases.

 Great info, Carl, and thanks for your offer!   All I have to do is get a car now... biggrin

(still grumbling about the one below being bought out from under me after the deal was made in Aug.... live and learn, I guess.  I won't mention it again and sorry to the OP for the thread derail... biggrin)

 



Attachments
__________________
paris63


Addicted!

Status: Offline
Posts: 161
Date:
Permalink  

I had weird headlight issues like that a few months back. Turns out my headlight switch was actually faulty. Replaced it with a re-manufactured unit off Ebay and its been smooth sailing. I'm not entirely sure of this, but I suspect using halogen headlights with my stock wiring may have caused my problem. Halogens draw more and run hotter than old stock lights.

__________________

1963 Parisienne 2DRHT
2004 Lincoln LSE
meowy84


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 54
Date:
Permalink  

As always thanks for the info guys. I'll check all the things you guys mentioned out. I hope one of my local GM dealers stocks the switch 'cause epay tends to be a 2 week wait sometimes for the shipping.

__________________
Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons
Nov 18 to Dec 2 Black Friday UP TO 50% OFF Plus Huge Coupons
4SPEED427


A Poncho Legend!

Status: Offline
Posts: 50202
Date:
Permalink  

If not, NAPA, Parts Source etc likely would offer one as well. Not sure what you have in your area.

__________________

1966 Strato Chief 2 door, 427 4 speed, 45,000 original miles 

1966 Grande Parisienne, 396 1 of 23 factory air cars (now converted to a "factory" 4 speed)
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Canadian Poncho Homepage -> Canadian Poncho -> 58-64 Full Size Power Train Tech Forum -> High beam/Low beam issue
Tweet this page Post to Digg Post to Del.icio.us
.
Support Canadian Poncho!
Select Amount:
<
.
.
.