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jay_kinsaul's avatar
jay_kinsaul
Explorer
May 12, 2022

No headlights problem please help

So I just got a 1984 pace arrow in like new condition and everything but the headlights are not turning on. The switch apparently works cause I can turn on my running lights and dash lights and it dims like it should just no headlights at all. I have even tried hitting the brights switch on the floor and it don't do anything either not even the lights for bright for brights light up. So none of the four headlights work dims or lows. Any pointers and advice would be greatly appreciated
  • ROBERTSUNRUS's avatar
    ROBERTSUNRUS
    Explorer
    May 13, 2022
    RLS7201 wrote:
    Matt_Colie wrote:
    Jay,
    You don't say what the chassis but most have the headlights on a separate fuse that is in the fuse group. Now you just have to find it and hope it is bad and that is all that is wrong.
    Matt


    Headlights are NOT fused. The lead for the headlight switch comes straight from battery power. The headlight switch does have a circuit breaker built in.

    The headlight switch does have separate circuitry for the headlights and the parking/running lights. So the switch may be bad, even if the running/dash lights work.

    You need to get out your VOM and check for voltage all along the wiring path for the headlights.

    Richard


    :) Hi, this is the correct answer; Also when you remove the headlight switch, look for a melted connector.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    May 13, 2022
    allbrandauto wrote:
    most chevys used a fusible link at the starter motor


    For the headlights? Don't think so.
    70s/80s GMs and probably other mfgs, power supply to the headlights goes straight through the switch. (The reason they make cheap relay harness kits now to boost power to the headlights)
    Most likely is a failure in the headlight switch itself (I think?)
    but trace power in and out of the switch to verify that.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    May 13, 2022
    Or, old GM headlight switches are so cheap, just slap a new one in and see if it works.
    If it's the same as the cars and trucks, there's a little trick to getting the knob to release. Easier for you to look it up than explain.
  • RLS7201's avatar
    RLS7201
    Explorer II
    May 13, 2022
    Do you know how to remove the headlight switch? Pull knob all the way out, get your fingers on the back side (flat side) of the switch and push the little spring loaded button and then pull the knob out. Then you can undo the nut that holds the switch assemble in place.

    Richard
  • allbrandauto's avatar
    allbrandauto
    Explorer
    May 13, 2022
    Grit dog wrote:
    allbrandauto wrote:
    most chevys used a fusible link at the starter motor


    For the headlights? Don't think so.
    70s/80s GMs and probably other mfgs, power supply to the headlights goes straight through the switch. (The reason they make cheap relay harness kits now to boost power to the headlights)
    Most likely is a failure in the headlight switch itself (I think?)
    but trace power in and out of the switch to verify that.
  • Roger10378's avatar
    Roger10378
    Explorer II
    May 14, 2022
    For safety reasons all headlights are on self resetting circuit breakers. Most of them are part of the switch.

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