Author Topic: 1983 k20 floor mounted dimmer switch/highbeams  (Read 2712 times)

Offline Artezio

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1983 k20 floor mounted dimmer switch/highbeams
« on: October 12, 2017, 10:52:55 AM »
Ok so I recently started having issues with the highbeams in my 83 k20, the highbeams will work perfectly fine for about 5-10 minutes then they start flickering between low and high. I was actually driving on a trip from salt lake Utah to Phoenix Arizona and it had gotten dark on the interstate and of course that's when it started to happen. Very dangerous situation so I need to get this fixed asap. Is this caused by the dimmer switch on the floor going bad? Possibly old wiring? Any help is appreciated, I sure hope I don't have to retire the headlight system.

Online bd

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Re: 1983 k20 floor mounted dimmer switch/highbeams
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2017, 11:42:43 AM »
Are the headlamps actually switching between high beam and low beam or just flickering?  The headlamp switch contains an integral, non-serviceable circuit breaker that is a known weak point in the headlamp circuit engineering.  The circuit breakers operate near the limit of their capacity and can periodically open or oscillate with a nominal increase in current flow.  As the headlamp switch ages with use, the symptoms can worsen.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline Artezio

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Re: 1983 k20 floor mounted dimmer switch/highbeams
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2017, 11:57:07 AM »
Its actually flickering between high and low, the 2 little blue lights that indicate whether you are on high or low are going on and off as well

Online bd

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Re: 1983 k20 floor mounted dimmer switch/highbeams
« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2017, 01:10:29 PM »
Is the wiring original or has it been modified with headlamp relays?
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline Artezio

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Re: 1983 k20 floor mounted dimmer switch/highbeams
« Reply #4 on: October 12, 2017, 01:23:37 PM »
I would like to think it's original, but it has a 1990 front clip that have the quad headlamps, there are no aftermarket relays or switches
« Last Edit: October 12, 2017, 01:26:09 PM by Artezio »

Online bd

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Re: 1983 k20 floor mounted dimmer switch/highbeams
« Reply #5 on: October 12, 2017, 04:05:07 PM »
Replace the dimmer switch.
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline juggernaut6625

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Re: 1983 k20 floor mounted dimmer switch/highbeams
« Reply #6 on: October 13, 2017, 04:11:08 PM »
I had a similar issue in my 83 C1500. Replace the dimmer switch. It should only be about 15 bucks at O'reillys. Also, I had an issue with my lights becoming very dim and all i had to do was open up the headlight connections and clean all my contacts.