high beam problem - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**slepysal** · 09-06-2009, 01:19 AM

On a 60 stepside, the headlights work, buy when you push the high beam switch,both lights go out. I ran a direct lead to the head lights both low beams work, but only the right high beam worked.I swaped out the dimmer switch but same thing.
Any ideas ?

MXmaniac · 09-06-2009, 01:43 AM

Is your dimmer switch getting a good ground? Mine used to kill both lights when I switched on the high beams until I removed the switch, and cleaned up the surfaces to make a good ground. Then they worked perfectly.

72freak · 09-06-2009, 07:49 AM

Normally dimmer switch

**damnyankee36** · 09-06-2009, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MXmaniac

Is your dimmer switch getting a good ground? Mine used to kill both lights when I switched on the high beams until I removed the switch, and cleaned up the surfaces to make a good ground. Then they worked perfectly.

Dimmer switches aren't grounded. They're just a simple SPDT switch.

The only thing left to inspect would be the connectors/terminals in the circuit. You can use a test light to probe the wires coming out of the dimmer switch to see if you have power in both the dim and high beam positions. Then, work your way towards the headlights.

On the 66, the light green wire is the high beam and the tan wire is the low beam. The light blue wire comes from the headlight switch. The 60 might be the same.

The terminals at the dimmer switch are notorious for burned and corroded connections. I'm willing to bet the problem is there.

MXmaniac · 09-06-2009, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damnyankee36

Dimmer switches aren't grounded. They're just a simple SPDT switch.

The only thing left to inspect would be the connectors/terminals in the circuit. You can use a test light to probe the wires coming out of the dimmer switch to see if you have power in both the dim and high beam positions. Then, work your way towards the headlights.

On the 66, the light green wire is the high beam and the tan wire is the low beam. The light blue wire comes from the headlight switch. The 60 might be the same.

The terminals at the dimmer switch are notorious for burned and corroded connections. I'm willing to bet the problem is there.

I did this on my '69 a long time ago, maybe its a different set-up. I just assumed it was the same.

**Captainfab** · 09-07-2009, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damnyankee36

Dimmer switches aren't grounded. They're just a simple SPDT switch.

The only thing left to inspect would be the connectors/terminals in the circuit. You can use a test light to probe the wires coming out of the dimmer switch to see if you have power in both the dim and high beam positions. Then, work your way towards the headlights.

On the 66, the light green wire is the high beam and the tan wire is the low beam. The light blue wire comes from the headlight switch. The 60 might be the same.

The terminals at the dimmer switch are notorious for burned and corroded connections. I'm willing to bet the problem is there.

I've had this same problem before Sal, and this was the cause.

**slepysal** · 09-07-2009, 01:46 AM

Thans to all I will check it out Tuesday. The truck is at work and I have been working on it at lunch, I think thats what I'll call it "lunch truck "
I will let you all know what gives thnks again

09-06-2009, 01:19 AM	#1
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	high beam problem On a 60 stepside, the headlights work, buy when you push the high beam switch,both lights go out. I ran a direct lead to the head lights both low beams work, but only the right high beam worked.I swaped out the dimmer switch but same thing. Any ideas ? __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

09-06-2009, 01:43 AM	#2
MXmaniac Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 356	Re: high beam problem Is your dimmer switch getting a good ground? Mine used to kill both lights when I switched on the high beams until I removed the switch, and cleaned up the surfaces to make a good ground. Then they worked perfectly. __________________ Andrew '69 C-20(292, 4-speed) Retired Daily Driver '64 C-10(250, 3-speed) Fixerupper '97 Frd Mustang GT(4.6L, 5-speed) Daily Driver If I only wanted two pedals I'd have bought a bicycle. Last edited by MXmaniac; 09-06-2009 at 01:44 AM.*

09-06-2009, 07:49 AM	#3
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: high beam problem Normally dimmer switch __________________ 2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! *It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!!* Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere!

09-07-2009, 01:46 AM	#7
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: high beam problem Thans to all I will check it out Tuesday. The truck is at work and I have been working on it at lunch, I think thats what I'll call it "lunch truck " I will let you all know what gives thnks again __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... " Last edited by slepysal; 10-09-2009 at 03:29 PM.

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