help out fellow hamb'r

[53burb]

Anyone of you hamb'rs know if or how to check a dimmer-high-low beam switch to see if that is my headlight problem? Drop me a line and let me know if any of youz can help me out.I have done everything else that I could think of. Thanx. KNUX

[Pist-n-Broke]

I don't know what exactly your problem is but most dimmer switches are just brass contacts inside. If you have contunuity through it I would look else where. One of the most common problems I find in head lights is pore or no ground at the light bulb sockett.
The Wizzard

[radical56chevy]

i would check it with a test light..

[Crestliner]

Seen them take lights out going down the road.

[Pist-n-Broke]

Generaly losing both lights at the same time is from a power surge or loss of ground. The dimmer switch is just a switch. It either works or it don't. It can't create more power than what is put in it.
The Wizzard

[Pist-n-Broke]

53burb. Did I miss a previous post where you explained what the problem is you are having?
The Wizzard

[53burb]

I am asking if the switch can be tested and how or if I should just replace it. I have done everything else that I can think of. That is what I am asking of you fellow hamb'rs. KNUX

[jerry]

it can be checked for continuity with a multimeter on the ohms setting. check for low or zero reading thru the contacts. one treminal is the common coming from the light switch, the others are high and low beam contacts.

pm me with any questions.


jerry

[50dodge4x4]

Dimmer switches have a single power line coming in and two lines going out, one outgoing for high beam, and one outgoing for low beam. If to can get to the wires, disconnect the wire plug. You can bypass the dimmer switch for a test run. With the light switch turned on, one of the wires should have power, test with a test light. Once you find the power wire, you can connect a jumper wire to either one of the other two wires. You should have either high beam lights or low beam lights. Next connect the jumper from the switch hot to the second wire, you should have which ever you didn't have the first go around, either the low beam or the high beam. All that the dimmer switch does is change which headlight wires get the power that is coming from the headlight switch. If the lights work the problem is the dimmer switch, if they don't work the problem is elsewhere. If the dimmer goes bad you can loose all head light function. Often floor mounted dimmer switches get coroded up and the internal spring won't let the part that pushes in snap back up. Hope this helps, Gene

[Pist-n-Broke]

KNUX; Yes, It can be tested. On a standard GM type dimmer switch the top/center spade on the switch itself is the power in. You can use a jumper wire from any 12 volt supply and a test light to ground. The lower 2 term's are to the head light's. One side will be hot and the other not. Press the button and the terminals will reverse power and not. It doesn't matter which one of them goes to high and low at the bulbs. Hope this helps you.
If you are having a problem with your lights, what exactly is the problem?
The Wizzard

[53burb]

Thanx to all that have helped me on this matter. You all know who you are. I believe the problem is no longer. It was the dimmer switch. Very crusty looking when I took it out. I will replace and then go from there. Thanks you HAMB'rs. KNUX