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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Electrical => Topic started by: JohnnyPopper on March 25, 2020, 02:10:13 PM

Title: High beam relay?
Post by: JohnnyPopper on March 25, 2020, 02:10:13 PM

Inspired by Covid-19, decided to gas up the '88 3+3 dual tanks.

It was about 8:30 pm,  turned on the headlights, they were on high beam so I pulled the turn signal to dim them and they went off, never to come on again.

Needless to say, I had to wait till morning to go out for gas.

I assume there is an outboard relay on these,  when I pull the lever, no clicky clicky........

We're not heading for the hills YET, so I haven't given too much time to figure, but wondered of any of you know offhand how this is built?

Title: Re: High beam relay?
Post by: VileZambonie on March 25, 2020, 03:06:43 PM

The factory wiring is old school. High and Low are controlled through the dimmer switch. Does the high beam indicator come on? Single or dual headlights?

Title: Re: High beam relay?
Post by: JohnnyPopper on March 25, 2020, 03:57:03 PM

Dual, didn't think to look at the indicator when it died. Rest of the lighting works.

Thanks!

Title: Re: High beam relay?
Post by: VileZambonie on March 25, 2020, 04:12:36 PM

Yes check the indicator first. If no indicator, I'd suspect an issue with the dimmer. If it is working, go out to the headlights with your test light. It's not uncommon for the bulbs to burn out.

Title: Re: High beam relay?
Post by: JohnnyPopper on March 25, 2020, 04:16:59 PM

Thanks VZ! So is the dimmer switch in the steering column?

I'll spend some time with it this weekend, got no other plans ::)

Title: Re: High beam relay?
Post by: VileZambonie on March 25, 2020, 04:29:08 PM

That little circle is where the rod from the lever actuates the dimmer and yes it is bolted to the column.

Title: Re: High beam relay?
Post by: JohnnyPopper on March 25, 2020, 04:31:34 PM

Thanks Bro, I'll let you know what I find.  :)

Title: Re: High beam relay?
Post by: ehjorten on March 26, 2020, 02:59:43 PM

It isn't unusual for the connections on those quad-beam lamps to be finicky also!  On my '91 you can wiggle the connections at the lamp and get them to go out!

Title: Re: High beam relay?
Post by: bd on March 26, 2020, 03:40:57 PM

Liberally dousing the headlamp connections with WD-40 and working the connectors often restores electrical continuity for a surprisingly long time.

Title: Re: High beam relay?
Post by: JohnnyPopper on March 26, 2020, 10:15:20 PM

Thanks guys!

It is system wide, as all the headlights are non-functunada (little Spanish lingo)