Headlight problem on 40 Ford

[Norris McCarty]

The headlights on my 40 Ford will only work on hi-beam. They won’t work on lo-beam. All of the rest of the lights work perfectly.
This is a 12 volt system.
Can anyone point me in the right direction to repair this.
Thank you

[Phil Gillespie]

Originally Posted by Norris McCarty

The headlights on my 40 Ford will only work on hi-beam. They won’t work on lo-beam. All of the rest of the lights work perfectly.
Can anyone point me in the right direction to repair this.
Thank you

Pethaps check the hi/low beam switch. Could measure for output from switch or locate input to headlights and measure here.
If just one side would be bulb provided you are still on standard set up as opposed to sealed beam units.
Best of luck.
Phil NZ

[JSeery]

You could start by checking for voltage at the headlight low beam terminal. And then at the dimmer switch itself. The same power wire feeds both the high & low beam, the dimmer switch selects between the two. If you don't have a voltmeter, switch the high and low beam wires at the headlights and see if the problem reverses.

[Norris McCarty]

Thank you. I’ll check power at dimmer switch and switch wires in the morning.
They are standard sealed beam headlights.
The lo and hi beams were working fine last night.

[JSeery]

Could just be a bad connection or corroded switch.

[V8COOPMAN]

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Originally Posted by Phil Gillespie

If just one side would be bulb provided you are still on standard set up as opposed to sealed beam units.

Phil NZ

AMERICAN '40 Fords all used sealed beams for the first time as standard equipment. DD

[drolston]

Check the wiring harness connectors on top of the frame rail, just aft of the radiator on the driver side.

[deuce_roadster]

And, if you are using the original switch, it might just be worn out but probably the dimmer.

[Norris McCarty]

Thanks so much. I'll check all of the above as soon as I get time today.
I have to use ramps to get under my car as it's got a 4" drop axle.
Hopefully time this evening.....I'll report back.

[Joe Shell]

Try due NORTH

[Norris McCarty]

Originally Posted by Joe Shell

Try due NORTH

Sorry, but I don’t understand.

[Norris McCarty]

Found it......loose wire on the dimmer switch.
Thanks for your help.

and Joe Shell......good luck with your riddle?.....weird

[JSeery]

Way to go!

[Norris McCarty]

Thanks J. It was the lo-beam wire that screws into the dimmer switch. Screw was still hanging in the wire end.....lucky!

[Joe Shell]

Norris,

Glad you solved your problem. You did ask if anyone could point you in the right DIRECTION. Horace would have told you to “go west”

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Joe

[Norris McCarty]

You too Mr Shell!