Headlights Out, High Beams Work, Buuuuuttt....

[adamgt]

Hey Vair'ers-

Question for you: My low beams went out. I gotta get in there and figure out wtf.

So meantime, I'm using the high beams, which work fine.

But, when switched on, the high beam light indicator on the dash doesn't come on...

Is that telling me something's up with the dimmer switch?

Thanks as always!!

[terribleted]

Very good chance this is a dimmer switch or corrosion at the dimmer switch plug issue.

[66vairguy]

Very good chance this is a dimmer switch or corrosion at the dimmer switch plug issue.

Agreed -- About half the time I replace a dimmer switch I have to install a new "pigtail" (new connector with short wires to splice into the wiring harness) along with the switch due to corrosion. Back east the corrosion issue is worse.

On the LM cars the HIGH BEAM light wire is connected at the bulkhead connector to the HIGH beam power wire, not at the dimmer switch. Not sure on the EM cars. It might just be a burned out bulb!!

[bbodie52]

1964 Corvair Passenger Car Combined Schematic

Left-click the image to enlarge it for better viewing or "Pan & Scan". Click a second time for maximum enlargement

The 18 T (low beam) wire from the dimmer switch feeds through the main trunk multi-connector that passes through the firewall and into the trunk. There could be a fault at the dimmer switch output, the dimmer switch electrical connector, or in the plug that passes through the firewall. This single wire ultimately feeds both sides of the vehicle. A multimeter should help you to troubleshoot the circuit to see where the power is being intrrupted.

[joelsplace]

About 95% of the time that happens to me I just switch the dimmer a few times and it starts working again. This generally only works when it hasn't been used in a long time. If you were using it regularly and it quit this trick won't work and it is time to check the connector or switch.

[NMVair]

Yeah, it has happened to me. Dimmer switch bit I wonder if it vould be related to light seitch.

[gbullman]

I have seen multiple bulbs burn out at the same time. Best to rule out both of your low beam filaments haven’t failed as well. Also when you say high beams work you mean all 4 bulbs, right?

Previous suggestions are likely culprits and I’d lean towards high beam indicator bulb being out with what you’ve described.