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No low beams - changed dimmer switch

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by SHANK, May 12, 2010.

  1. SHANK

    SHANK Member

    I'm stumped (doesn't take much).

    '72 CJ5 with a plow. Owned it about a month now.

    Problem: The plow lights come on but the vehicle low beams do not. High beams work fine. Changed the dimmer switch. Still no low beams. All wiring seems intact. Any clues?
     
    Last edited: May 12, 2010
  2. 1974Sixer

    1974Sixer Member

    ummmm, maybe both low beams are burnt out?
     
  3. timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    The only way to deal with electrical problems is to trace them out. I would start at the dimmer switch with the high beams on, and look at the voltages. Then I'd switch to low beams and see if the switch actually switches to the other circuit. Then follow the circuit to the headlights. You need a test light at least, but a multimeter is better IMO.
     
  4. SHANK

    SHANK Member

    I have no current at the plug to the lights...
     
  5. SHANK

    SHANK Member

    Thanks Tim, I'll go try that now.
     
  6. EricM

    EricM Active Member

    Test the dimmer switch. I just bought a new one that was bad right out of the box. I opened up my old one, cleaned the contacts and it works fine.
     
  7. SHANK

    SHANK Member

    The dimmer is good. I put my voltage tester on the plugs for the plow lights and it read 12 on low beam and high beam.

    I wonder, because this was strictly a plow vehicle and the plow lights have never been off it till now, if the PO rigged it so the vehicle low beams were never on.

    Maybe I need to look elsewhere?
     
  8. jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    very possible
    some state laws require it.
     
  9. SHANK

    SHANK Member

    Ok, referring to the four terminals on the plow plugs, I have the ground at 12 o'clock:

    On both low beams and high beams with the switch to "vehicle lights", the terminal at the 9'oclock shows 12v

    Low Beams and high beams with the switch to "plow", the terminals at 9 and 3 o'clock show 12 v.
     
  10. SHANK

    SHANK Member

    Got it guys. Ripped all the plow wire and switches out and wired it stock, and it all works. Thanks!:D