The Ford Barn

Gold Digger · 05-03-2025, 07:58 PM

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.

Gary WA · 05-03-2025, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gold Digger

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.

Bad ground/ connection in light .

Synchro909 · 05-03-2025, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary WA

Bad ground/ connection in light .

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

Kurt in NJ · 05-04-2025, 06:46 AM

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.

Bob Bidonde · 05-04-2025, 07:38 AM

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

Gold Digger · 05-04-2025, 07:56 AM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

They are LED's

nkaminar · 05-04-2025, 08:04 AM

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.

katy · 05-04-2025, 10:21 AM

oops.

Will N · 05-04-2025, 10:27 AM

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.

nkaminar · 05-04-2025, 11:48 AM

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.

Gold Digger · 05-04-2025, 03:28 PM

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.

05-03-2025, 07:58 PM	#1
Gold Digger Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Arkansas & Alaska Posts: 685	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.

05-04-2025, 06:46 AM	#4
Kurt in NJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: on the Littlefield Posts: 6,555	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.

05-04-2025, 07:38 AM	#5
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 4,113	Re: Head light dimer Do the new bulbs, if incandescent, have double filaments? I f the bulbs are LEDs, are they the dimable kind? __________________ Bob Bidonde

05-04-2025, 07:56 AM	#6
Gold Digger Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Arkansas & Alaska Posts: 685	Re: Head light dimer Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) They are LED's

05-04-2025, 08:04 AM	#7
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,860	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. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

05-04-2025, 10:21 AM	#8
katy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 5,715	Re: Head light dimer oops. __________________ If you don't hear a rumor by 10 AM, start one!. Got my education out behind the barn! Last edited by katy; 05-05-2025 at 09:58 AM. Reason: Correction

05-04-2025, 10:27 AM	#9
Will N Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,251	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.

05-04-2025, 11:48 AM	#10
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,860	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. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.

05-04-2025, 03:28 PM	#11
Gold Digger Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Arkansas & Alaska Posts: 685	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.