No power to headlights - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: No power to headlights (/showthread.php?tid=8778)

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No power to headlights - TerryW - 12-07-2025

Ok guys,
I'm sure it's in here somewhere but I can't find it for the life of me.
I have a classic 1986 that just suddenly lost all its headlights (both high and low beam) the brights will come on but only if I hold the stalk, they will not latch on. If I check the kick panel (number three I think), there is power. Also there is power coming to and leaving the headlight switch but no joy at the headlight sockets.
So I'm guessing there is a relay somewhere right? Does anyone know where I find this relay? Does anyone know where the wires run? Do they run outside on the driver's side floor or the passenger side?
Thanks in advance.

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RE: No power to headlights - Fulltiming - 12-07-2025

Unless an owner added the relays later, the wiring goes through the headlight off/on switch then to the low/high beam switch at the base of the steering column activated by the left steering when stalk, then to the headlights. The adjustment is somewhat sensitive on the low/high beam switch. Newell recommended that I just replace the switch. On my 1992, it was a 1989 Chevrolet Truck part number 26019660. Your '86 may have been from an older pickup but it could be the same switch. Mine got to where I could adjust it for high beam or for low beam but not where it would work on both settings. The new switch works fine and wasn't that difficult to adjust.

Adding relays does a great job of reducing voltage drops.

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RE: No power to headlights - TerryW - 12-07-2025

So your saying I'm over thinking things as usual.
It's probably the the high low switch. Does the power for the low beams run through the high low switch as well as the high beams? That would make sense with my symptoms. I will report back as soon as it warms up.

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RE: No power to headlights - Fulltiming - 12-07-2025

Yes, the power for both run through the dimmer switch. On mine, I had to remove the cover that surrounds the steering column and the switch is close to the floor.

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