Very odd headlight problem

So the other day my headlights suddenly quit working. So I start messing with the switch (GM type from EZ Wiring) and find some loose connectors. I fix them but to no avail, so I order up a new switch.

Switch comes today so I put it in, nope they still don't work. I replaced the cicuit breaker on the fuse block and that wasn't it either. I then get out the multi meter and start testing things. Heres what I have:

12V at the junction block on the fenderwell and at both headlight plugs. Now heres the weird part. If I plug a headlight back in the voltage at the junction block goes to 0. It does this for either headlight. Circuit breaker isn't triped because the dash lights still work. Anyone have any idears?

 

bad ground

 

or dimmer switch
check the ground wires; the 3 prong connector at the headlight bulb, one of those is a ground...on each headlight

 

Mine was the dimmer Joe.
But check your ground 1st.

 

in a very rare case, a voltage surge could take out both headlights

it happend to me...

 

Both high and low?

 

no just the low

 

Just checked the grounds on the headlight plugs. I've got them going directly to the headlight buckets and the connections are solid. The headlight I'm using to test the system works because I hooked it up directly to the battery.

Should I be looking for a bad ground elsewhere? Maybe the switch? Kinds confused on how a bad ground on the switch would still allow 12V when not under load.

 

Well I shouldn't even post my findings because I'm so embarrassed but heres what I found.

A dimmer switch with rusted connections. A little cleaning and the lights work When I read a bad dimmer in the posts above I was thinking of a dimmer for the interior lights. That is all and is my last tech post for a while

 

Hey, don't be embarassed, at least you found it! You could look for days before you found that.

 

I can't find my power tie...

 

Didn't Cliff and Norm say beer makes you smart?

 

Think Joe needs to join Dennis in the corner. R)

 

Sometimes we can't find the forest for the trees. Don't worry we all have been there.