Headlight Mystery...

[Rancho Deluxe]

My '30 Fordor has all stock 6 volt components. The two-bulb headlights were working normally after my restoration work. Now the park lights and low beam lights go on at the same time. This is with the switch in the park position, 7 0clock or in the low beam position, 5 Oclock. The off and hi beam positions work correctly, So do the tail and brake lights in all positions. I have checked everything I can think of twice and even changed the upper headlight switch controller on the steering column, but the cause of the misfunction eludes me. Anybody have any ideas that may lead to a cause or cure? Thanks to all, Rancho

[Mike V. Florida]

Problem caused by reproduction bulb sockets.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Yep, check the sockets at the base of the headlamps. The repro contacts are larger than original contacts, and they can move to the side and touch each other, so both lights come on at the same time. I would use a Dremel to grind the contacts to a smaller diameter.

[H. L. Chauvin]

Hi Rancho,

Very good advice above.

Newly manufactured repro sockets, as opposed to original sockets, were all junk quite a few years ago.

All of the Forum malfunctioning socket repair advice back then was to try to go to swap meets & buy used originals; however, after calling Bratton's, Mr. Walt Bratton stated that he has been providing new functional & reliable headlamp sockets from a special professional supplier for about 8 years, just in case you would prefer new sockets in lieu of repairing yours.

Bratton's always appears "not" to be selling the non-functional cheap "me too" Model A junk; but, sincerely continually concentrates on searching for & providing the most durable & functional Model A tire tubes & parts available.

Some of the other Model A vendors also do the same.

[Rancho Deluxe]

Thanks all. This info is precisely correct! The right headlamp connector was "crosstalking" at the connector tip where the wire loom ends. Electrical contact there to both park and low beam contacts in the headlight socket caused the problem and lit up both headlights. The positive determination was easy! Just disconnect the suspected headlamp (in my case the right one) and the remaining one functions normally. A little mechanical fitting and the problem was solved...at least for now. Thanks, Rancho

[FrankWest]

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Originally Posted by Rancho Deluxe

Thanks all. This info is precisely correct! The right headlamp connector was "crosstalking" at the connector tip where the wire loom ends. Electrical contact there to both park and low beam contacts in the headlight socket caused the problem and lit up both headlights. The positive determination was easy! Just disconnect the suspected headlamp (in my case the right one) and the remaining one functions normally. A little mechanical fitting and the problem was solved...at least for now. Thanks, Rancho

!The things ya gotta know! life is so complicated!