J.Mencalice
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Posts: 1850
"When You're Dead, Your Bank Account Goes to Zero"
Livin' Better Side of The Great Divide
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« on: January 17, 2012, 10:00:03 PM » |
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The headlight dimmer switch on my 2000 Valk Interstate is usually set on low beam. In this position both headlights are lit. When I move it to high beam position, they both go out.
Do I have a bad switch, a blown fuse, a short in the wiring, bad bulbs, or what?
Any help is appreciated, thank you.
Willopad357
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"The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive." Bill Watterson
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance...
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PhredValk
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« Reply #1 on: January 17, 2012, 10:13:54 PM » |
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It could be any of those, but I would bet the switch. Mine did that when I bought it go on hibeam click to low, no lights; go to hi, flashed and nothing. I worked it a few dozen times and it's been fine, though I seldom use hibeams unless I'm checking them in a window or something. Doing the switch maintenance is on my list for this spring. Open, clean, lube and button it up. Do the starter switch while you're at it.
Do the switch first. It's the easiest, and almost free.
Fred.
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Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.
VRCCDS0237
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GJS
Member
Posts: 424
Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada
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« Reply #2 on: January 17, 2012, 10:18:44 PM » |
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I believe there are two elements in each bulb.
I currently have the same situation but with only one headlight.
It could be the bulbs. (even easier to check!)
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« Last Edit: January 17, 2012, 10:20:35 PM by GJS »
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J.Mencalice
Member
Posts: 1850
"When You're Dead, Your Bank Account Goes to Zero"
Livin' Better Side of The Great Divide
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« Reply #3 on: January 17, 2012, 11:25:50 PM » |
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Thanks for the replies and the suggestions, boys!
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"The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive." Bill Watterson
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance...
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Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008
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« Reply #4 on: January 18, 2012, 12:06:13 AM » |
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Interstates also use a relay for each circuit. It could be a relay gone bad. If you have power from switch to relay then none from relay to headlights then the relay is the problem. You can get a relay from most any parts store it does not have to be OEM.
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #5 on: January 18, 2012, 08:18:52 AM » |
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Over the years, I have routinely lost the low beam in one interstate headlight, once the high beam in one light. It was always the bulbs.
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gordonv
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Posts: 5763
VRCC # 31419
Richmond BC
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« Reply #6 on: January 18, 2012, 11:21:47 AM » |
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The easiest and cheapest way to start is to change the bulb. Since you mentioned dual, you must have an IS. So buy a pair of the H4 bulbs, and replace one. (a little more to it than I typed here right now, but that is another issue you can doa search for).
If it works, then you have 2 Hi beams out, replace the other. If it doesn't, then proceed to the other suggestions.
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« Last Edit: January 18, 2012, 11:39:29 AM by gordonv »
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F6BANGER
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« Reply #7 on: January 18, 2012, 12:16:55 PM » |
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The cheapest way is to use an electrical tester. (if you have a multi meter or a test probe). Wont cost you a cent.  |
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Patrick
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Posts: 15433
VRCC 4474
Largo Florida
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« Reply #8 on: January 18, 2012, 12:52:06 PM » |
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The STD/Tour models don't use a relay where the IS models do.. So, your problem could be any that you listed plus the relay.. However, my money is on the relay or a poor connection.. Both bulbs don't generally fail together, but, its certainly possible..
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J.Mencalice
Member
Posts: 1850
"When You're Dead, Your Bank Account Goes to Zero"
Livin' Better Side of The Great Divide
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« Reply #9 on: January 18, 2012, 09:07:39 PM » |
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Once again, thank you all for the suggestions and remedies. I'll get on it as soon as this dang cold lets up out here in Western Colorado and I can roll her out of the shed. Got it...Tester, bulbs, relay, switch, contact! We usually get a break in between systems, but our snow (warm wind) is down, which only leaves the cold to set in after the front passes. I usually catch an hour here and there, but she's been sitting out in the ga-rage for too long now. You folks in the temperate climates have my envy at this time of the winter. Thanks again.  |
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"The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive." Bill Watterson
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance...
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Michvalk
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« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2012, 05:02:19 AM » |
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Cold weather will make some switches loggy to move and operate correctly. Mine has to be flipped back and forth a few times before it will work correctly. Dirty contacts, or old lube in the switch could be the problem. If the problem started after the cold weather set in, you have your answer |
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J.Mencalice
Member
Posts: 1850
"When You're Dead, Your Bank Account Goes to Zero"
Livin' Better Side of The Great Divide
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« Reply #11 on: January 22, 2012, 02:55:45 PM » |
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Took the easiest approach with all of your helpful suggestions and worked the headlight switch back and forth a few times and.....Eurekia!!!!! Yup, it did it's job after a while. Guess it's time to disassemble it, clean the contacts, and check the wiring for pinches.
Over and out for now, with much thanks to the group responders.
Willopad357
Austin, Colorado
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"The truth is, most of us discover where we are headed when we arrive." Bill Watterson
Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance...
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