HELP - headlights failing

[mr heavy-chevy]

my 1987 chevy headlights are failing and i dont know why.

i have gone through 4 headlight switches with the same results:
no headlights only park lights.
the park lights, dimmer, and cab lights all work. but the headlights do not come on.

the high beam selector switch is stuck on HIGH.
i have one headlight switch that works if i wiggle the **** out of the headlight pull-switch. eventually the lights stay on. and everything is fine.

where can i start looking to fix this?

 

[87ChevyR10]

Have you replaced the hi-lo switch?

I was dealing with HL issues not too long ago. Basically, the lower pair were burned out and not working, upper pair was fine. However, if I tried switching to hi, I would lose my HL's altogether. I basically fixed it by replacing the HL switch and replacing the bottom pair of HL's. Sometimes, when switching hi-lo, the HL's would get stuck off and not come back on unless I cycled the hi-lo switch a lot. The hi-lo switch was replaced quite a while before I did the other work.

The hi-lo switch is on the column. Basically, take the lower panel off under column and remove the brace bolts to drop the column. The switch sits deep on the top-side of column. Make sure the switch is far enough forward (towards steering wheel) that the push rod actuates the switch securely.

Hope this helps.

 

[mr heavy-chevy]

i should have started there. i will check the HI-LO switch right now.
i like having all 4 headlights on ( i actually aimed them all down as low beams) so i never bothered to look into fixing it

 

[Rusty Nail]

Seen the core support ground lately?

 

[mr heavy-chevy]

Seen the core support ground lately?

where is that?

 

[87ChevyR10]

where is that?

Follow the ground wires from the top headlight on both sides. You can't miss it.

 

[Rusty Nail]

It's actually VERY important. It may (or may not) run behind the battery and may (or may not) fall victim to that type of corrosion.

Either way, it's best to keep a mindful eye on it.
It has been my experience that many "auxiliary" systems rely upon it.

Very likely comes out of the headlight harness from the core fupport and I THINK, should run directly to FRAME underneath the alternator.

Like I said, it's kind of a big deal.

 

[87ChevyR10]

First pic is driver's side and second pic is the passenger side.

 

[Camar068]

I noticed that while changing the connectors on mine. I thought, bah, I don't need that ground. BS....you do need it lol. The only ground I noticed though was on the passenger side.

 

[87ChevyR10]

I noticed that while changing the connectors on mine. I thought, bah, I don't need that ground. BS....you do need it lol. The only ground I noticed though was on the passenger side.

Yeah, grounds are vital for electronics to work correctly. I suggest finding the ground wire on driver's side and getting it grounded.

 

[74 Shortbed]

Make sure ALL grounds are in good shape..

 

[mr heavy-chevy]

turns out it is the high-low beam switch....

how can i hot wire this switch so that the circuit is permanently closed?
i cant find a replacement part and i don't want to deal with replacing it.

which colors do i cross and which do i ground?

 

[mr heavy-chevy]

it is NOT the hi-lo beam switch....

i just hot wired it together and the same problem is there

so what else could this be?
i can't drive at night unless this is fixed

 

[mr heavy-chevy]

the headlights only go ON when i pull out and press down on the switch.... so i have to hold it there while driving

 

[mr heavy-chevy]

ok NOW i fixed it.....

turns out the female plug had a broken blade... so some tin foil on the male blade to widen it, filled the gap and closed the circuit.

fixed.