Dim headlights - 69 k5

[fear_nothing]

Mostly stock save for the lift/tires. My headlights are dim. Incandescent headlights are 3 years old. Dimmer switch is not original but I think only lows are working.

What should I be chasing? An alternator w more oophh, new dimmer switch?

Tried LED head lights same deal - super dim. Turn signals are out but that just happened.

Thoughts?

 

[CT-BLAZER]

Check your voltage levels....grounds have too be clean...

Me.... I prefer component headlamp assemblies + PIAA halogen bulbs. PIAA makes a wide array of wattages + K ratings

 

[500$k5]

Bad electrical connections cause low voltage over time. All connections in the headlight circuit, are suspect, but probably a ground problem.

 

[ekajkrats]

Converting them to run off relays helps. LMC has a kit that the PO of mine installed, lights are nice and bright! Runs power off the battery, rather than through the dimmer switch (which could be part of your problem).

One issue I had was on the trail the relay went bad and my lights stayed on. Removed the relay and just switched the high beam relay to the low and didn't have high beams for that trip. Now I have extra off the shelf relays with me.

 

[ZooMad75]

Relays are the way to go. Measure the voltage at the left headlamp with the engine running. Chances are it’s at least 1.5 to 2 volts less than what is coming off the alternator. 2volts is huge to brightness of any bulb, incandescent or LED.

The problem is the stock setup has the power going from the junction block under the hood through the firewall to the headlight switch, then dimmer and back out through the bulkhead and onto the lights. Factor in 50 year old wiring to the equation too. This is why there’s so much less voltage at the bulb. And that’s even if your ground side is good. If the ground is less than stellar it’s going to be even dimmer.


Get the kit from LMC or you can build your own with a pair of relays and some bulk wire and inline fuses. You will see the difference with relays.

 

[Wes Harden]

If your dimmer switch only has low beams I'd start there.