1967Barracuda
Well-Known Member
Looking to get some help on why my headlights don't work. All parts are original. The turn signals and hazards work. I've tried engaging the headlights on both low and high beam and they do not work
Any ideas why my headlights don't work? 1976 Dart Sport.
- Thread starter 1967Barracuda
- Start date
-
try jumping dimmer switch & see if anything comes on - either hi or lo - if they come on likely a dimmer switch. Make sure your sealed beams are good.
I can send you a used Dimmer switch, Headlight switch and 2 headlights for free. I have drawers of used switches and boxes of lights You pay the ride. Flat rate is $17.10 . Check the grounds and bulk head. Those later years are noted for wiring issues
1967Barracuda
Well-Known Member
I'll let you know in the next few days. Thanks.
I agree, check for corrosion on the dimmer switch plug.
1967Barracuda
Well-Known Member
Just another tip. The running lights don't work. Anything from the dimmer switch and headlight switch function is not working.
If the running lights are not working then my money is on the power in to the headlight switch is not connected.
This happens when the terminal gets old and looses a good connection and heats up and melts the plastic connector.
Green corrosion
Red melted connector
This happens when the terminal gets old and looses a good connection and heats up and melts the plastic connector.
Green corrosion
Red melted connector
Have a checked to see if there's power at the headlight connectors? It's not terribly uncommon to have both bulbs burn out. It happens. I would start there first and backtrack until I found power.
Headlights run through the dimmer switch, not any running lights.
Frank Mopar
Well-Known Member
Buy a Power Probe 3. Best tool you can have.
I also have plug ends I can cut out of old harnesses.
1967Barracuda
Well-Known Member
There is no power going to my bulk head connector on the headlight switch. I ran a randome hot wire from under the dash to some ports on the bulk head and I got running lights to turn on.
Last edited:
1967Barracuda
Well-Known Member
Here they are on with the hot wire.
1967Barracuda
Well-Known Member
Hot wire powered the headlights.
These old cars are old!! I do not believe in just throwing new parts at trying to fix a problem...BUT..... Many parts are cheap on Rock Auto, so every time I get a new project, I:
Soak the dimmer switch with rust penetrant and order a new one regardless, just to have.
I always get a new headlight switch, ballast resistor or two (or three), coil, horn relay, ign. solenoid, but in my stash of parts is also new distributors, carbs, and everything just to have on hand, as I want a reliable car to drive and not walk back home. I carry some of such in the trunk just in case!!
Soak the dimmer switch with rust penetrant and order a new one regardless, just to have.
I always get a new headlight switch, ballast resistor or two (or three), coil, horn relay, ign. solenoid, but in my stash of parts is also new distributors, carbs, and everything just to have on hand, as I want a reliable car to drive and not walk back home. I carry some of such in the trunk just in case!!
1967Barracuda
Well-Known Member
I ran this purple power wire and plug it into this terminal on the headlight switch and it functions as should.
My friend you need to know what you are applying power to before you randomly apply power to things.
It looks like you have determined that the voltage feed to the headlight switch is not getting any power.
The wire has as best I can tell the characteristics of a melted wire. Red cir.
Maybe it's just the photo.
You need a wiring diagram.
mymopar.com has free diagrams. If your car is not listed get the closest you can find, like if you have a 74 a 73 while not exactly correct will be very close.
Classiccarwiring.com also has some to buy which are color coded and easier to follow.
Your next task is to find out why you do not have power to the switch.
Do the rest of your accessories work? Brake lights? Radio? Wipers? Heater?
It looks like you have determined that the voltage feed to the headlight switch is not getting any power.
The wire has as best I can tell the characteristics of a melted wire. Red cir.
Maybe it's just the photo.
You need a wiring diagram.
mymopar.com has free diagrams. If your car is not listed get the closest you can find, like if you have a 74 a 73 while not exactly correct will be very close.
Classiccarwiring.com also has some to buy which are color coded and easier to follow.
Your next task is to find out why you do not have power to the switch.
Do the rest of your accessories work? Brake lights? Radio? Wipers? Heater?
X
Nope! Not close. The main circuits are very different.
and you have to understand the '76 power feeds.
Engine bay wire harness electrical connections.
I'm hooking up the engine bay wire harness on this 1976 Dodge Dart Sport. Any connections or electrical items that hook up to it from the parts store is what I'm looking for. What's needed to get this car to start. Any input appreciated. Thanks. T.
www.forabodiesonly.com
-
