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Sealed beam headlights - Need Help

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by JR motard, Nov 8, 2015.

  1. Nov 8, 2015 at 7:27 PM
    #1
    JR motard

    JR motard [OP] Active Member

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    Rolla/Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    96 v6 4x4 Xtra cab tacoma
    So since I bought my 96 xtra cab, I've had issues with my sealed bead headlights. I've gone between having only high beams, no lights at all, or even half-power really dim headlights. I have tried switching between the sealed beams and conversion glass H4's. Same problems.
    I've spent countless hours over the past year trying to figure it out, but just cannot. So i figured i might see if anyone here can help me.

    My current wiring setup: only high beams function, low beams do not
    Passenger side Switch position Driver side
    Red/white- 12.39v Low Red/blue- 12.44v
    Red/yellow- 0v Low Red/yellow- 0v
    Red/green- 0.02v Low Red/green- 0.09v

    Red/white- 12.39v High Red/blue- 12.44v
    Red/yellow- 0.03v High Red/yellow- 0.09v
    Red/green- 0.03v High Red/green- 0.09v

    If someone could send me a picture of their 96-97 headlight wiring, that would be great.(power output to each wire in both switch positions would be even better)
    BUT, i think my issue may be in the actual wiring of the truck. I feel like having only one wire in the harness that gets power is wrong - I should have two hot wires with the high beams switched on. And YES: I've done extensive searches already, and i have checked and replaced all fuses and relays, and bulbs are intact and fully functional.


    Please give me your opinions on what you think may be the issue.
     
  2. Nov 8, 2015 at 7:31 PM
    #2
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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  3. Nov 8, 2015 at 7:36 PM
    #3
    Conumdrum

    Conumdrum Well-Known Member

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    Lol same thread.
     
  4. Nov 8, 2015 at 8:33 PM
    #4
    JR motard

    JR motard [OP] Active Member

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    PVT Pablo,
    I posted this in the technical and 1st gen forum sections because it relates to both. 1st gen people may be able to help, and people who know their stuff with technical wiring may be able to help. No reason to be a dick and make a useless post - if you dont want to help me, that fine - but in that case just move on.
     
  5. Nov 9, 2015 at 1:43 PM
    #5
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    2000 Work truck 5 speed 4x4 3.4
    Super Springs
    Have at any time you cleaned the plugs for the headlights ??

    They do tend to corrode over time.

    You have checked that the lights do work on both high and low

    Fuses loose in the sockets ??

    You only have one hot wire to each headlight.

    The ones you are reading voltage

    Since the Headlights are switched ground the high and low beams ground through the other wires on the bulb through the head light switch

    I really wish you were closer I would love to help in person.

    Are you having any other electrical problems
     
  6. Nov 9, 2015 at 1:58 PM
    #6
    JR motard

    JR motard [OP] Active Member

    Joined:
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    Rolla/Kansas City, MO
    Vehicle:
    96 v6 4x4 Xtra cab tacoma
    I have. just took apart the plugs and cleaned them this weekend. no difference.
    And yes - lights are functional high and low
    Fuses are good - no change when pressing/trying to move fuse/relay
    No other electrical problems at all.

    I think i may have to try and just take apart the lower dash/column cover and make sure everything is okay. I just have yet to find any reason as to why i only have power to one wire.. And yeah, i know it makes it alot easier when youre looking at it in person, haha
     
  7. Nov 9, 2015 at 11:58 PM
    #7
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    Super Springs
    It is possible your contacts in the headlight switch are dirty or worn

    Which would keep the circuit from grounding
     
  8. Nov 16, 2015 at 9:36 PM
    #8
    BamaToy1997

    BamaToy1997 Wheel Bearing Master

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    best wheel bearings around! www.marionbumper2bumper.com
    Check headlight switch contacts. Check highbeam switch. Check headlight ground circuits.
     

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