C2 Headlamp Problem

[Bill #36445]

I have a '65 that has an issue with the headlamps. All 4 lamps work with the dimmer switch set on high-beam but when I switch to low beam, all 4 lamps turn off. The low beam lights do not work by themselves. I thought that the shop manual that I bought would help diagnose the problem but it just indicates how to replace the dimmer switch. I don't have a good electrical diagram yet or any electrical trouble diagnosis books so I was wondering if anybody else has had similar experience or thoughts on what could be wrong. I assume that the dimmer switch is likely bad but I'm not sure. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Bill #36445

[Grant M.]

Re: C2 Headlamp Problem

Bill,

I had a similar problem with my '65, but in reverse. My low beams worked fine, but selecting high beam caused all lights to extinguish. The problem was the dimmer switch, as you have suggested.

Good luck.

grant

[mike carr]

Re: C2 Headlamp Problem

try wiggling the bulkhead connector inside the engine bay on the drivers side, right under the windshield.

i had the same problem and this solved it.

[William V.]

Re: C2 Headlamp Problem

Mike

Once on a customers car I had both low beems burned out at the same time. Drove me nuts. Just a dumb suggestion.

good Luck

[bill #36445]

Re: C2 Headlamp Problem

Mike;

Wiggling that connector did the trick. I did a voltage check on the dimmer switch and I was able to get 12 volts on both the high and low circuit so I the switch was good. Your tip saved me a lot of investigative work to find the source of the break in the circuit. Now I just need to find a way to tighten up that connection so that it doesn't come loose again.

Thank you to each of you, that responded, for your suggestions; this forum is great!

Bill #36445

[Grant M.]

Re: C2 Headlamp Problem

Bill,

As much as tightening the firewall connector (which should be secured by a bayonet-type fastener on each end), you might also want to simply make sure all of the prongs are clean and straight. I had a similar problem (affecting the ignition cicuit so the car simply stalled on the road!) and found that one of my bayonet-type studs had been previously broken off. These are part of the fuse block and are therefore not easily fixed, but cleaning the prongs of the connector(s) proved to solve the problem for now (>10 years), until I someday get around to replacing the fuse block.

Good luck!

grant

[mike carr]

Re: C2 Headlamp Problem

my car died on the road today because of this, i got out and wiggled the connector and it started up again. i am going to have a good look at this when i get it home tonite.

i should have checked it out when i found the headlight problem, because stalling out on the road is no fun at all.

anyone know any tricks to keep the connector on tight? mine does not seem to be on too tight, even though it is on all the way. maybe the connectors inside need to be cleaned or something, hopefully thats all it is and i will be able to fix it. i really would not want to have to replace the fuse block.

mike