High Beam Problem

[ClayW]

What's wrong with my lights?

I have sealed beams and have done nothing to upgrade or otherwise mess with them. One day, they just started acting like this:

Low beams on = Both low beams on and working fine.

High beams on = Driver side high beam on, passenger side off, driver side low beam on.

I tried replacing the sealed beam high on the passenger side, but the behavior continues. What next?

[nrubenstein]

As I recall, the sealed low beams have a different filament for high beam use - it's a separate circuit. Have you checked the right side high beam fuse?

[ClayW]

As I recall, the sealed low beams have a different filament for high beam use - it's a separate circuit. Have you checked the right side high beam fuse?

Yep, I'm an idiot.

It was fuse #2. It never occurred to me that each high beam would be on it's own fuse. I guess I'm too used to the older car world, e.i., the fewer fuses, the better!

[mlytle64]

of course, now the question is......

why did the fuse blow? where is the problem in the circuit that created the too high current draw?

[Mo Brighta]

and another question -- why are you still using sealed beams? There are some really nice halogen units out there, under $100 per side, that fit right in place of sealed beams... very good output, good light pattern, and inexpensive to upgrade to higher output lamps when you get old like me.

[ClayW]

of course, now the question is......

why did the fuse blow? where is the problem in the circuit that created the too high current draw?

Good question, Marshall. As far as I can tell, the #2 fuse only goes to the right side high beam and the high side of the right side low beam light. I see no cracked insulation or other grounding potential. Any ideas?

New fuse seems to be holding.

[ClayW]

and another question -- why are you still using sealed beams? There are some really nice halogen units out there, under $100 per side, that fit right in place of sealed beams... very good output, good light pattern, and inexpensive to upgrade to higher output lamps when you get old like me.

I hear you. It's one of the projects that I just haven't gotten around to yet.

[Mo Brighta]

Headlight Project -

I hear you. It's one of the projects that I just haven't gotten around to yet.

OK, good answer. When you are flush, shout if you need suggestions on lamps or reflectors, I can get you several options for both.

My personal favorites are the Cibie H1 flat face highs, Hella H1 or Cibie H4 flat face lows, with headlight protection film on all to keep them nice forever.

I would start with High Output but stock wattage lamps; Narva (German) RangePower +50 are very good, Hella has some but they're not as bright. High power ('over-wattage') lamps are available, but fuses, relays and wiring will be 'unhappy' in that case. Upgrading them is possible, but adds $$$.

At least you have your lights back, that's something.