Lights went out - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GreenMystChevy · 12-15-2004, 03:56 PM

I hate wiring and electrical with a passion! I start rolling out of my driveway first thing in the morning to head to school with my lights on and then without warning, my headlights go out. Everything works just fine except for the headlights.

I did some searching on this on the board here and came to the conclusion that it is either the high beam foot switch or the headlight switch behind the dash. Just wondering if you guys think the same and have an idea of which one I should tackle first.

Thanks for the help, it will be nice to actually drive this thing during the evening.

67ChevyRedneck · 12-15-2004, 04:46 PM

My headlights have been doin that for years...I usually just hit the dash or give the dimmer switch a couple of kicks....I think it's time for a painless wiring kit......

PanelDeland · 12-15-2004, 06:31 PM

Neither switch is hard to replace.I think the dimmer is probably cheaper.It simply bolts to the floor and has a plug with wires connected to it.If it's never been replaced it is over 30 years old.I didn't work as well after 30 years of abuse so it stands to reason it wouldn't.There's no reason to be afraid of wiring or intimidated by it.Just do some study and you can learn enough of the basics to be able to troubleshoot the electrics in your truck.

Brainchild · 12-15-2004, 07:55 PM

I would suspect the dimmer switch,it is in the floor and in the elements more than the headlight switch.

Hooter · 12-15-2004, 11:17 PM

I had my original dimmer switch crap out on me 3 years ago, replaced it with some cheapo from the parts store and have already had that one fail, cant they make things like they used to? After 30 years of current and movement going through all those contacts chances are that dimmer switch or the headlight or both are shot

garold99 · 12-16-2004, 01:35 AM

This just happened to mine about a month ago. Thats how I found this board. I did the same search you did, then went out and kicked on my dimmer switch a number of times and my headlights blinked once. So I replaced the dimmer swithch and all is well.

Of course now I have to replace a U-Joint thats been trying to go out on me for close to a year now. Guess thats a project I need to take care of in the next couple days.

71Chevy4-speed · 12-16-2004, 02:28 AM

My buds headlights went out the other day so we took my dimmer switch outta my truck and put tried mine in his in mine... worked so... his problem was the dimmer switch, everything else worked so I'd start with that.

bobs409 · 12-16-2004, 07:50 AM

Sometimes it's just corrosion on the dimmer switch terminals. Pull the plug off and check their condition.

Give the plugs on the back of the headlights a wiggle or two. Sometimes they also get corroded. If they blink on from there, you need to clean them up too.

mrein3 · 12-16-2004, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobs409

Sometimes it's just corrosion on the dimmer switch terminals. Pull the plug off and check their condition.

Give the plugs on the back of the headlights a wiggle or two. Sometimes they also get corroded. If they blink on from there, you need to clean them up too.

I see bobs409 beat me to the punch. Before you buy anything just "de-fur" the contacts on the dimmer (foot) switch.

As Hooter noted that switch you got is probably better than any Hencho en Mexico switch you can buy today. If it is bad it is bad - replace it. But always try the simple - and cheap - things first.

If it is the headlight switch I would buy the new switch AND do the relay conversion to run your headlights. All that current running through that switch is what makes it wear out. If you buy a new switch and make it a relay controller for your headlights you'll never need to replace it again.

GreenMystChevy · 12-16-2004, 12:15 PM

Thanks for the help guys, now I have a couple of good places to start and go from there. Should take care of it this weekend.

ckhd · 12-16-2004, 01:39 PM

Pull the carpet up from the dimmer switch and make sure that the plug is tight. I've had it happen on a couple different ones where having my foot down there ends up working the plug loose.

Quick to check and maybe you won't have to buy any parts.

12-15-2004, 03:56 PM	#1
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	Lights went out I hate wiring and electrical with a passion! I start rolling out of my driveway first thing in the morning to head to school with my lights on and then without warning, my headlights go out. Everything works just fine except for the headlights. I did some searching on this on the board here and came to the conclusion that it is either the high beam foot switch or the headlight switch behind the dash. Just wondering if you guys think the same and have an idea of which one I should tackle first. Thanks for the help, it will be nice to actually drive this thing during the evening. __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

12-15-2004, 04:46 PM	#2
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	My headlights have been doin that for years...I usually just hit the dash or give the dimmer switch a couple of kicks....I think it's time for a painless wiring kit...... __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

12-15-2004, 06:31 PM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Neither switch is hard to replace.I think the dimmer is probably cheaper.It simply bolts to the floor and has a plug with wires connected to it.If it's never been replaced it is over 30 years old.I didn't work as well after 30 years of abuse so it stands to reason it wouldn't.There's no reason to be afraid of wiring or intimidated by it.Just do some study and you can learn enough of the basics to be able to troubleshoot the electrics in your truck. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

12-15-2004, 07:55 PM	#4
Brainchild Still drivin' a Rat Rod Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Monett Missouri Posts: 4,925	I would suspect the dimmer switch,it is in the floor and in the elements more than the headlight switch. __________________ Rusty Member #13872 Instead of saying.....you are a discomfort in the back of my front.....one should be able to say...... you are a pain in the a$# 71 GMC LWB 49 Chevy 85 Chevy G20 Check out my website

12-15-2004, 11:17 PM	#5
Hooter My other Love Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Castlegar B.C. Canada Posts: 4,085	I had my original dimmer switch crap out on me 3 years ago, replaced it with some cheapo from the parts store and have already had that one fail, cant they make things like they used to? After 30 years of current and movement going through all those contacts chances are that dimmer switch or the headlight or both are shot __________________ Castlegar B.C.The great white North (Canada Eh!) Hooter_5@hotmail.com First generation Monte Carlo club pictures of my life

12-16-2004, 01:35 AM	#6
garold99 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 129	This just happened to mine about a month ago. Thats how I found this board. I did the same search you did, then went out and kicked on my dimmer switch a number of times and my headlights blinked once. So I replaced the dimmer swithch and all is well. Of course now I have to replace a U-Joint thats been trying to go out on me for close to a year now. Guess thats a project I need to take care of in the next couple days.

12-16-2004, 02:28 AM	#7
71Chevy4-speed Speed Limit = Floorboard Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Kasilof, Alaska Posts: 803	My buds headlights went out the other day so we took my dimmer switch outta my truck and put tried mine in his in mine... worked so... his problem was the dimmer switch, everything else worked so I'd start with that. __________________ 1971 C20 350, 4-speed - Sold. 1985 K10 350, Built 700r4, Edel 1406, Performer intake, MSD Ign, Hooker Comps, Silverstars, Piaa drivers, LED tails, Toyo A/T 31's, Eaton Posi, the project. "Build for torque, horsepower will follow"

12-16-2004, 07:50 AM	#8
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	Sometimes it's just corrosion on the dimmer switch terminals. Pull the plug off and check their condition. Give the plugs on the back of the headlights a wiggle or two. Sometimes they also get corroded. If they blink on from there, you need to clean them up too. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

12-16-2004, 12:15 PM	#10
GreenMystChevy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 513	Thanks for the help guys, now I have a couple of good places to start and go from there. Should take care of it this weekend. __________________ Jeremy '71 C-10 '72 GMC K2500 '72 Nova (Dad's) '70 Chevelle SS '55 Sedan Delivery Attempting to build up this here 4x4...make her real tall and purty...well, maybe just tall

12-16-2004, 01:39 PM	#11
ckhd Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: St. Johns, Arizona Posts: 2,660	Pull the carpet up from the dimmer switch and make sure that the plug is tight. I've had it happen on a couple different ones where having my foot down there ends up working the plug loose. Quick to check and maybe you won't have to buy any parts. __________________ my 2¢ - t.i.o.l.i. Bowen 1968 K20 fleet 1969 K10 swb fleet 1972 K10 Suburban 1972 C10 lwb step 1992 K1500 'burb 1995 K2500 'burb 1997 C1500 'burb 1999 K1500 2000 K1500 'burb Why do I own so many Suburbans?



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