BillCamino Posted November 6, 2013 Share Posted November 6, 2013 I searched the forums, and tried everything.. no luck yet. Here's what's happening: 1989 Comanche Eliminator, 4.0, auto, short bed, converted to 4wd (using Cherokee parts!) Turn on headlight switch: I get parking lights, tail lights, and dash lights.. but no headlights. I unplugged the headlights, ran a lead from battery to lights to test them, lights are good (high and low beam). I test the headlight switch - turns out to be bad. I swap out switch, test it to make sure it's good, and turn on the lights - same issue. Parking lights/tail lights/dash lights on, no headlights. I pull the dimmer switch (off of column) and replace with a known good one (off my parts truck!) - same issue. I get Parking lights/tail lights/dash lights, but no headlights. When I pull the dimmer in, I do have bright (flash-to-pass) lights.. but no headlights when I release the switch Next steps - pull and clean the 10 pin connector behind the left headlight, and running a better ground from under the dash to the E-brake area Any idea what else I should try? Craigslist is starting to look good.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillCamino Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 Took apart the 10-pin connector, it was a little corroded. Cleaned it up, checked it with my test light - there is power at 2 spots. Re-assembled, no difference: Parking lights/dash lights/tail lights all work.. no headlights. Ran a better ground - no difference next step: can of gas and a zippo? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comanchepur Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Clean all contacts and check fuse and relays Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Power could be getting lost at the C100 connector just to the left of the master cylinder up undeer the dash. Light green wire from the dimmer switch runs there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillCamino Posted November 7, 2013 Author Share Posted November 7, 2013 Ahaaa - Haven't checked that yet.. I'll give it a shot at lunch - Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carnuck Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Check for power at the dimmer switch if that fails Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Check for power at the dimmer switch if that fails He already swapped the dimmer switch with a known good one.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carnuck Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 What does that have to do with whether power is getting to the switch? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 What does that have to do with whether power is getting to the switch? Did you read that he has head lamps when he hits "Flash-to-Pass"? That means he has power to the dimmer switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 What does that have to do with whether power is getting to the switch? Did you read that he has head lamps when he hits "Flash-to-Pass"? That means he has power to the dimmer switch. That requires READING before RESPONDING. No wonder he missed it....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carnuck Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 What does that have to do with whether power is getting to the switch? Did you read that he has head lamps when he hits "Flash-to-Pass"? That means he has power to the dimmer switch. The both of you fail at diagram reading then. There is another contact inside the signal switch that bypasses the high beam switch. It's there in case the HB switch blows so you can see to get to the shoulder of the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 What does that have to do with whether power is getting to the switch? Did you read that he has head lamps when he hits "Flash-to-Pass"? That means he has power to the dimmer switch. The both of you fail at diagram reading then. There is another contact inside the signal switch that bypasses the high beam switch. It's there in case the HB switch blows so you can see to get to the shoulder of the road. Right............................. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 The both of you fail at diagram reading then. There is another contact inside the signal switch that bypasses the high beam switch. It's there in case the HB switch blows so you can see to get to the shoulder of the road. The signal switch? :huh???: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted November 8, 2013 Share Posted November 8, 2013 Post that diagram up. A switch so you can get to the side of the road? Never read about that in any owner's manual, and I've read every one from 1980 through 1992. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillCamino Posted November 21, 2013 Author Share Posted November 21, 2013 Disassembled and cleaned the C100 connector, and used an old dental pick to snug up the female ends. Still no luck. I hooked up a set of driving lights as a temporary fix. Something interesting to note: When I was re-inserting the headlight pull into the switch, it sparked. Hmm. Makes me think it's a grounding issue..? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted November 21, 2013 Share Posted November 21, 2013 Disassembled and cleaned the C100 connector, and used an old dental pick to snug up the female ends. Still no luck. I hooked up a set of driving lights as a temporary fix. Something interesting to note: When I was re-inserting the headlight pull into the switch, it sparked. Hmm. Makes me think it's a grounding issue..? Grounding? The only ground involved for the headlights is forward at the lights themselves -- the ground connection behind the driver's side headlight bucket. If the headlights work when you flash the high beams, then the lights have ground. Your problem is somewhere in the power supply circuit upstream of the headlights. You can verify whether or not there's power to the headlights by removing one headlamp, turning on the headlights, and using a tester between the headlight socket and a known good ground to confirm whether or not you're getting power to the socket. Assuming you're not, then you start working back upstream along the power circuit until you find the point where there is power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted November 21, 2013 Share Posted November 21, 2013 Check the headlamp switch connector. It common for them to burn up internally, especially since you found the original headlamp switch bad. The replacement is AIRTEX Part # 1P1190. http://www.rockauto.com/dbphp/x,catalog,903,partnum,1P1190,d,AIRTEX_-_WELLS_1P1190.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now