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My driver side low beam is very dim compared to the passenger side. I have been told it is a ground problem. If it is, where is the ground?
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Re: 66 Headlights
Ken,
The ground problem isn't one of a ground where it shouldn't be, but of a poor ground where it should be.
If you have volt meter, pull the headlight out where you can get to the terminals on the back. You should have 12 to 13 volts from one side of the plug to battery ground, and zero volts from the other side to ground. Check across the lamp, and you will probably only see 6 to 10 volts drop across the lamp. This is because you are loosing or dropping the remaining voltage across a poor ground connection somewhere between the lamp, and the battery ground. If you don't see any voltage from the ground side of the socket to the battery ground then most likely the problem is right in your hand.
The socket that plugs onto the lamp gets corroded in the plugs. They also loose some of their spring tension. Clean them with some contact cleaner, then a very mild abrasive like an emery board on the fine side. They are plated to prevent corrosion, so don't wear off any more plating than you have too.
I then like to help them out by spreading a tiny, tiny amount of Never Seize on the contacts themselves. Use the stick from a Q-tip or something about that size. Put just a tiny amount on each contact and avoid the plastic insulator. I like the Copper based boiler Anti Seize better than the standard nickel, but either is better than nothing. The anti seize will plate the contact with a little new metal, copper or nickel, and provide a shield from moisture getting into the contacts in the future.
You can also remove the contacts from the plastic insulator and replace them with new inserts. A small scribe pushed in from the end where the wire is can release the tang that holds the contact in place. Many automotive supply houses can provide replacements.
Good Luck
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Re: 66 Headlights
John, Thanks for you very complete and informative response. I will let you know if this solves my problem..
Thanks again,
Ken HarantsComment
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