head light on and off

[spider2081]

Agree it not the hi/lo switch. I would focus on the fuse panel and the fuse. Try looking for the gray/black wire on the fuse to be sure you are checking the correct fuse. It is not likely the wire itself can make and not make contact. It is more likely a poor connector on either end of the wire is the cause.

[brackie1]

Well I feel like an idiot and I hate to admit it. After reading all of the great post, I decided to re-visit the fuse box. The left low beam is on fuse E which is #6. I had already taken it out once and looked at it and it appeared to fine no breaks. So this time I said what the heck I will replace it anyway. So I did and now it works. The lessoned learned is that just because the fuse looks OK it might not be and so always replace them if there is any question.

[spider2081]

Great news thanks for sharing.

One of the laws of troubleshooting is: The last thing you try is what fixes the problem.

[seabeelt]

Great news indeed. But the next question is....... What caused the fuse to fail. Was it just old and corroded, is the circuit overloaded ....., is there a poo ground causing the circuit to draw too much amperage. It may be that you can wait and see, but if the fuse fails again, I would suggests that there is another problem to solve
R/

[spider2081]

I'm thinking:

is there a poo ground causing the circuit to draw too much amperage.

A poor ground in a circuit adds resistance to that circuit and reduces current flow. ie a light having a poor ground is not as bright as when it has a proper ground.

A power wire making an undesired contact to ground ( called a "short" ) would cause the fuse to have more current flowing through it and more than likely fail.

Fuses can fail simply from age. Each time a fused circuit is energized and de-energized the fuse element actually flexes. Over time and many flexes the element can break. Similar to what causes incandescent light filaments to break. That is why the filament often breaks when the light is turned on.

[brackie1]

When I looked at the fuse the first time I did not take it out. The metal strip was not broken and so not having any experience with those types of fuse I thought it was good. Howeve, when I did finally take it out it was not in good shape. I think it was was just old. Anyway we will see.

Gene
North Carolina

[brackie1]

There is one questionable ground. It is the one that is for the windshield wiper. All others are good. I actually took the rosets off a while back. Sanded them really well front and back put on elctro static grease. Replaced all of the connectors even the double ones I split into single connectors. The only one I did not replace is the wiper ground. Will do that soon. Also anywhere were two wire plastic connectors I split up and rep!aced.

Gene
North Carolina

[Texsardo]

Just my 2 cents here. I can't tell you what caused your problem but I whole heartedly believe in checking main fuses. I had similar problem and the fuse was intact. After power metering everything I could find, I thought what the gecko, replace main fuse and hope. Yep, Drexel cleaned connection in main fuse box and replaced with correct fuse plus the old fuse was the wrong strength (PO must have mixed it up) . Correct voltage, New fuse and all better.
You asked about new Halogen light system. . I could barely see the road with my old sealed beams. Researched and decided to replace with halogen bulbs. WOW,O MY GOD, the difference. Like a birthday candle at 100 yards vs a bonfire. The wiring harness was super simple to install, plus it has two relays inline, one each side, plus inline fuse, etc. I am newbie 62 yo to Spiders and I installed in about an hour. Even running the passenger side wiring in front of upper radiator. I definitely encourage that unless you are trying to stay super simple original, change out. It also takes a big load off the starter switch as you connect it straight to battery power either at battery or hot stud on alternator (I used alternator location).
Texsardo

[toplessexpat]

If you are having some genuine issues seeing the road ahead, perhaps this upgrade is for you. Not the most flexible as you need to remove the hood and replace - but effective!



A

[brackie1]

I'm not much of a mechanic. How do you connect to the alternator?

Gene
North Carolina

[toplessexpat]

The alternator stud (the large threaded terminal likely with a brown wire currently on it) is a very good +12v. Unplug the battery (safety first), and you can connect to that with a ring terminal.

A

[brackie1]

Thanks A. Can I buy the halogen head lamps from local deals I.e. advance auto or auto zone?

[toplessexpat]

You can - but I would go to AR. They're the same price and period correct:)