headlight issue

[trode]

OK a little confused here, my headlights on 2004 seabreeze are acting up, I am trying to narrow down to source. When I turn on headlights on low beam the outer lights light (normal) and the inner (high beams) are on very very dim. When I move selector switch to either high beam position or flash high beams function ALL light go off. I recently changed one of the low beam lights and all seemed to be working fine on last trip, well no now that I think about it only the constant high beam position worked before and not the flash high beam function (pull on lever). Not sure where to begin with this, my initial instinct is the multifunction switch.

Looking for ideas where to start

[vtbigdog]

What chassis do you have?

There are a number of different issues you may be encountering. First one is the headlight switch itself. If all headlight power runs through the headlight switch the switch could have overheated and is about to fail.

Secondly you may have a bad ground somewhere in the headlight wiring from the headlight switch to the headlights. I would check the connections from the headlights towards the dash and see if the condition changes.

Thirdly and most importantly, check your chassis battery connections, and then make sure your chassis battery is fully charged. A low battery could also cause your issue.

[trode]

Originally Posted by vtbigdog

What chassis do you have?

Ford f53 2003 chassis

[trode]

Yesterday I decide to trace out my headlight issue, looke under coach for above mentioned ground...wires disappear into bundle after bundle of wire runs and cannot trace them back to a gound except I see large gound lug on power fuse box under hood, and all appears ok there. Next idea, open up the housing around the steering column and see how the connections look at the multi function switch. Well, what do you know!! The wire connection at the switch is VERY loose, either when Ford built, or when coach builder was upfitting, someone broke the lock on the connector and it had worked its way loose. Push back in to correct position and have high beams, low beams and flash to pass function!! STILL, high beam bulbs are dimly lit when on low beam but everything else funtions OK. Wonder now how to keep the plug from coming loose since the lock tab is broken off, thought about putting dab of super glue or 5500 adhesive to keep from coming loose, down side will probably be nightmare if needs to come off later.

[chboone]

Use a small plastic tywrap or wrap it with good with electrical tape.

Chuck Boone

[YC1]

As for the dimly lit bulb there is a chance they have a weird DRL system that puts the bulbs in series which effectively cuts the voltage in half.

[Max Hubrich]

Tom-

I sometimes use small (narrow) plastic tie wraps. I put them together to get the desired length I need. Then I thread it through the removable part of the electrical plug and wrap it around something like the steering column?? and then slip the ends (male and female) of the tie wraps together and pull it snug with a needle nose pliers.
It's then easily cut to remove the plug, if needed.

[trode]

I think I will give that a shot

[YC1]

Use some short strips of electrical tape. Works fine, lasts long time.

[t55watson]

Do ya know Red Green? ductape makes the world work proper.

[YC1]

Originally Posted by t55watson

Do ya know Red Green? ductape makes the world work proper.

That was a great show. Reminded me of He Haw.