Electrical problem with lights

[adistler1]

The light on my instrument panel went out the other day, but last night, my headlights went out (the side lights stay on) and the instrument panel light came back on. It's most likely a short, or maybe a ground problem, but where would be the first place to look?

 

[JohnL]

I always check the ground first. Also, use a continuity meter from the smallest circuit segment (in the case of the headlight, first try the power + side to the ground, then bypass (and disconnect) the battery and check continuity from the + battery cable to the headlight + wire with the headlight switch in the "On" position.

You will spend some time fooling around with the continuity meter...electricals are full of gremlins and can be a bitch, just "be the car" and you'll find it.

Remember, even electrical physicists don't understand completely how electricy works, they just understand the behaviors it exhibits in certain conditions!

 

[Romer]

I'd start at the switch on the dash. I believe thats were it T's off to the Cluster and headlamps. Igf you have a wiring diagram you should check that, I am going by memory.

 

[IDave]

I agree with Romer. That switch area was a booger for me. It turned out, however, that the contacts in the plugin to the switch were the problem, not the switch itself, for me. A resistance meter isolated it for me. At one point, I had the same thing you describe happening.

 

[JohnL]

oh yeah....DISCONNECT THE BATTERY BEFORE DOING ANY OF THIS!!!

if you don't, I might get to pick up your beast at a discount from your widow.

 

[adistler1]

I agree with Romer. That switch area was a booger for me. It turned out, however, that the contacts in the plugin to the switch were the problem, not the switch itself, for me. A resistance meter isolated it for me. At one point, I had the same thing you describe happening.

okay, so, disconnect the battery, grab the continuity meter, loosen the locking screw and pull out the switch then check the wires and connections? sound right to you guys? if that doesn't correct it, i'll probably be lost. i have the wiring diagram, but i'm new to all this and none of it makes sense.

 

[JohnL]

I completely rewired everything and found that with all the permutations of different wiring through the years, the typos on the charts and the PO mods, in the end you just have to end up "conceptualizing" it in your head. That's what I mean by "be the car." Very Zen indeed.

You'll figure it out. I had ZERO electrical experience and in fact a fear of electricity when I undertook replacing all the wiring in my FJ...and I'm happier for it.

 

[adistler1]

I completely rewired everything and found that with all the permutations of different wiring through the years, the typos on the charts and the PO mods, in the end you just have to end up "conceptualizing" it in your head. That's what I mean by "be the car." Very Zen indeed.

You'll figure it out. I had ZERO electrical experience and in fact a fear of electricity when I undertook replacing all the wiring in my FJ...and I'm happier for it.

yeah, i have zero knowledge of ANYTHING, so i'm starting late in life... but i welcome the challenge.