643274spposimatch
Forum Newbie
Posts: 52
Age: 42
Loc: Knoxville TN
Reg: 04-11-10
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 08-12-12 05:16 AM - Post#2258358
hey Guys , I cannot get my headlights to come on, i have tried every trick i can think of but no luck. I have a new switch and new headlights installed. Also, the really weird thing is when i turn on the headlight switch the fuel guage goes from full then down some. Any ideas???
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doubleE
Valued Contributor
Posts: 3682
Loc: Eagan MN
Reg: 06-02-03
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08-12-12 07:32 AM - Post#2258385
In response to 643274spposimatch
First the fuel gauge – it is being sensitive to the voltage drop on the electrical system when a load, in this case the tail lights are being turned on.
As for the headlights – more than likely you have an open circuit at the firewall bulkhead connector. Over time the contacts in the connector get corroded to the point there is an open circuit. With the switch on, wiggle the connector and see if the lights come on. If they do, you will want to thoroughly clean the male and female contacts.
You could take a more systematic approach to the problem. Using a voltmeter, start at the light switch to see if you have 12 volts. Keep checking using a wiring diagram as your guide working toward the headlights to locate where you are losing the 12 volts.
Eric
| Proud owner of
My Blue 62
Impala SS |
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 WagonMan
"3rd Year" Silver Supporting Member
Posts: 1265
Age: 65
Loc: SW Kansas
Reg: 10-26-04
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08-12-12 05:26 PM - Post#2258589
In response to doubleE
Also check the dimmer switch.
Charles
57 210 4dr. Wagon(bought '82)
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junky
Contributor
Posts: 886
Reg: 06-27-10
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08-13-12 08:20 AM - Post#2258750
In response to 643274spposimatch
I will second the dimmer switch, and also check the body to frame grounding straps. Electrical circuits will seek a ground where ever they can find one, if there isn't a good one existing at the appliance. In this case, something, somewhere is not making a good ground, and it is seeking a ground through the fuel gauge and sender system. I have found that a 3 or 4 foot wire with alligator clips is an excellent tool for checking bad grounds. Clip one end to a known good ground, and then start touching the other end to items you think might have a bad ground. I always start at the front of the car, and check all grounding straps to make sure that they are clean and tight. Then I move onto the other items, such as headlight buckets, tail light housings, etc.. It is time consuming, but not a tedious job to locate the bad/poor ground. The tedious part is to fix the poor ground so it works. This sometimes means taking the item out, and cleaning the metal underneath so a good contact is made.
Never argue with an idiot. He'll drag you down to his level, then beat you with experience.
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643274spposimatch
Forum Newbie
Posts: 52
Age: 42
Loc: Knoxville TN
Reg: 04-11-10
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08-17-12 01:22 PM - Post#2260333
In response to junky
thx guys so much, i love this site
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Sic_63
Forum Newbie
Posts: 28
Age: 37
Loc: Pennsylvania
Reg: 07-01-12
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08-17-12 03:45 PM - Post#2260360
In response to 643274spposimatch
Did you get it figured out?
Carmen
1963 Impala 2 Door Hardtop |
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