Head light dimer
 

Just installed two new head light bulbs and now I only have bright. I had both dim and bright before I installed the new bulbs. I haven't had time to investigate the problem yet. I noticed that when I move the light switch to dim the amp gauge pegs out. Just wondering where start.

Re: Head light dimer
 

Bad ground/ connection in light .

Re: Head light dimer
 

Most likely in the light that appears to be working as it should.

Re: Head light dimer
 

Look at bulb socket contacts and the base of the bulb to see if both filaments are lighting at the same time,perhaps the contacts insulator has deformed.

Re: Head light dimer
 

Do the new bulbs, if incandescent, have double filaments? I f the bulbs are LEDs, are they the dimable kind?

Re: Head light dimer
 

They are LED's

Re: Head light dimer
 

Very early cars had a resistor in the circuit for the "dim" headlights switch position. One filament bulbs were used and the headlights were actually dimmed when approaching oncoming traffic. Not sure if that would work with your LED's if they only have one "filament", but it might.

Re: Head light dimer
 

oops.

Re: Head light dimer
 

I'd bet that the fiber insulator that holds the contacts in the socket has warped and the two contacts are touching each other, but they are still far enough apart that they are touching both contacts on the bulb. So when you turn on the low beams, both filaments are lighting up, which will show as the increased draw on you ammeter.

Re: Head light dimer
 

Since they are LED's, it is unlikely that the high current at the dim switch position is caused by the bulbs. I would look for a short in the wiring or bulb socket or at the socket where the electrical cables connect to the headlights.

Re: Head light dimer
 

Found the problem. I have screwed the focusing screw in to much and had shorted in to the dim light wire on the right hand side bulb socket. Thanks everyone for all the support and ideas.