Just wanted to share a recent issue I had and my trouble shooting guide with my headlights. A few nights ago while cruising down a back country road I hit a bump and the lights and speedo and most of the dash electrical components I could see flickered. The lights pulsed a little and I turned my happy self around and went straight back home. I had recently installed the battery bracket upgrade kit from LCP along with the anti stress fusible link connection. Either it was not tightened all the way and got loose or I never really tightened it up but this was the culprit. Once tightened up I have not had any problems but I went to go out for another drive and noticed neither of my low beams were working. The parking, turn lights and high beams were all fine. So I went down a rabbit hole and did a little research on how the 80 series headlamps are wired up and how to trouble shoot. This may not be the "right" way but for logical guys without a mechanical background it made sense to me. There are only a handful of places that could be the problem. From front to back they are the bulbs, grounds, relay, fuses and steering column. Of course there could be technically ANY interruption in the wiring along the way but we will get to that here in just a bit. Regardless of what you "think" is the problem based on how the lights are working, this is how I would diagnose:
1. Check battery pos and neg to make sure connections are tight, check fusible link and alternator connection
2. Check fuses in the engine bay fuse compartment (there are two RH and LH)
3. Check the grounds on both sides to make sure they are in good shape
4. Pull the bulbs to make sure they are not burned out
5. Replace the headlamp relay also in the engine bay fuse compartment
At this point the "easy" fixes are over and you either need to trace your power or consider the steering column contacts.
For me I KNEW it wasn't the bulbs since they went out at the same time. Right? Wrong! It was in fact that probably a little power surge blew them both at the same time. Now of course don't dismiss the obvious, but also don't discount the possible. For me having a little guide to run through is helpful to make sure I don't miss anything.
Hope this helps!
1. Check battery pos and neg to make sure connections are tight, check fusible link and alternator connection
2. Check fuses in the engine bay fuse compartment (there are two RH and LH)
3. Check the grounds on both sides to make sure they are in good shape
4. Pull the bulbs to make sure they are not burned out
5. Replace the headlamp relay also in the engine bay fuse compartment
At this point the "easy" fixes are over and you either need to trace your power or consider the steering column contacts.
For me I KNEW it wasn't the bulbs since they went out at the same time. Right? Wrong! It was in fact that probably a little power surge blew them both at the same time. Now of course don't dismiss the obvious, but also don't discount the possible. For me having a little guide to run through is helpful to make sure I don't miss anything.
Hope this helps!
