Headlight Problems

[combatwombat25]

I have a '95 Pathy that I just changed the headlights on. The actual housing (glass part) was broke. I replaced that as well as both bulbs with Silvania Silverstar headlights. The lowbeams work fine, however the passenger side high beam does not. The high beam indicator symbol in the instrument cluster doesn't come on either. I'm thinking it's a wire someplace but I do not have a wiring schematic. Can anyone help?

[jj big shoe]

Are you positive it came on before the replacement? If not it could be the high/low beam switch in the steering column. Very common problem with WD21's (in fact, mine's messed up right now). There are copper reeds that make contact within the switch that will either bend or get crud collected in the contact points. You can try taking it apart and bending/cleaning them or replace the switch.

[GrimGreg]

Yeah, 9 times out of 10 if you have an odd single headlight issue it is caused by our switches. Clean the contacts.

[combatwombat25]

No, the headlight didn't work before I changed it, I figured since the glass was broke that it may have fubar'd something with the lamp itself. I'll take apart the switch assembly and see if that's wrong. I'm assuming that the steering column has to be taken apart for that to happen right? Anything I should watch for or be careful of in particular? I have a background in electrical systems and as a mechanic so it's not a big deal to tear it apart.

[GrimGreg]

No, the headlight didn't work before I changed it, I figured since the glass was broke that it may have fubar'd something with the lamp itself. I'll take apart the switch assembly and see if that's wrong. I'm assuming that the steering column has to be taken apart for that to happen right? Anything I should watch for or be careful of in particular? I have a background in electrical systems and as a mechanic so it's not a big deal to tear it apart.

Nothing too major, the column cover is held together by 4 main screws and then 2 on the sides by the openings for the wiper and the turn signal arms. all 6 go from the bottom up. Then 2 screws hold the switch to the column.

[Alkorahil]

Nothing too major, the column cover is held together by 4 main screws and then 2 on the sides by the openings for the wiper and the turn signal arms. all 6 go from the bottom up. Then 2 screws hold the switch to the column.

 

 

Yeah piece of cake, no worries. All you nee it a 6" or longer philips head and you are good to go!

[CowboyKyle]

Funny... I didnt check my high-beam indicator, but my driver's side high beam is out, with both low beams working. Think it could be the same issue? I JUST noticed this tonight on my '91 while working with it in the parking garage.

[CowboyKyle]

Ok... high-beam indicator does come on. I pulled everything apart and removed the switch. I could not figure out how to get the switch apart and ended messing up the blinker function. Still ony one high beam. The bulbs appear identical.

[jj big shoe]

IIRC, you access the contacts thru a semi-clear plastic cover. I tried to pull it off easy but I think its glued on. I ended up snapping it off and then taping it up once I finished inside. It worked for a while but the problem will most likely return. Better off getting a new one unfortunately.

[94extreme]

Funny... I didnt check my high-beam indicator, but my driver's side high beam is out, with both low beams working. Think it could be the same issue? I JUST noticed this tonight on my '91 while working with it in the parking garage.

 

 

i've had many bulbs just lose the high beam function. flip the bulbs from one side to the other first.. before digging in.. oopsy.

[CowboyKyle]

i've had many bulbs just lose the high beam function. flip the bulbs from one side to the other first.. before digging in.. oopsy.

If i was smart i woulda thoughta all on my own.