Help I'm Blind

[kwm]

Both of my headlights went out this morning on the way to work. I had to pull over and wait 15-20 minutes for sunrise. Then I was late and speeding in and almost got smashed monster truck style by a lifted full size Bronco. I have a project I HAVE to finish before I can leave work today too so I could run into darlness again. Are there any things I can do here at work to troubleshoot. Could I replace the headlight relay with one of my other realys? Are both lights on the same curcuit meaning one grounding issue would knock them both out? Could they Both have burned out at the same time? AAHAHHAHAHAH!!! This car is driving me nuts!

[jester911]

Maybe just a blown fuse. Might be able to change it to get you home and address the real issue then.

[kwm]

I did check the fuse and it looks ok I didnt turn it or anything maybe that could help.

[jmohn]

Unless you (or the PO) installed them, there are no headlight relays on your car (could be the source of your problem). Do check (replace if you can) the fuses and clean their contacts. Unfortunately, the most likely cause of your problem is the headlight or dimmer switches (due to the lack of relays). Do a search on the subject (headlight relay), there's a lot of info on that particular problem and the solutions.

Jerry M
'78 SC

[kwm]

I mean in my fuse box doesnt one of the black round relays go to the headlights? If so can I use a diff. relay to get home? I was gettign ready to go to H4s too and was a heartbeat away from ordering them and their relays a couple weeks ago. Damn!

[Tezme]

Dont worry the Blindness won't be permanent, you will get your sight back eventually after checking the following.

1. Fuse (Is it corroded or making nice clean connection)
2. Relay (bridge it out to prove if its faulty
3. Corroded wires at fuse holder
4. Headlight switch (Give it a jiggle)
5. Bulbs both blown (It does happen)

Could I replace the headlight relay with one of my other realys? Yes, as long as pin configuartion is the same than that will work fine.

Are both lights on the same curcuit meaning one grounding issue would knock them both out? Yip it's possible.

Could they Both have burned out at the same time? Yip it's also possible.

AAHAHHAHAHAH!!! This car is driving me nuts!
That is a beautiful car, it shouldn't be a fruatration to you. The electrical system on those are easy peasy to diagnose. And boy they can move, so much fun.

Did u know that this website has diagrams for these 911s on here. Have a look if you get stuck so this way it might make it easy. But it goes from ignition switch to headlight switch to relay to fuse to headlights. Good Luck!

[Tezme]

Whoops, it's an 83. jmohn is right, you have no relay. Sorry to mislead you there, I should have read more carefully before replying. Still a nice car though.

Here is the diagram: http://www.pelicanparts.com/911/911_Parts/Electrical/911_electrical_82SC_Part2-1.jpg

[Quicksilver]

There are multiple fuses for the headlight. I suspect that the chances of both low beam fuses and both high beam fuses of dying at the same time as about the same as winning the lottery.

I would look at the light switch and the dimmer switch. It needs to be something that effects everything. After you are done with all of this I would look at adding a relay as it will protect the headlight switch and the dimmer switch.

As you are trouble shooting the circuit remember this car has a weird circuit layout. The power goes from the battery, to the switches in the dash, then to the fuse block, and then to the headlights.

[kwm]

Thanks guys. My dimmer switch is new. My light switch is not. Man I hope I don't have to drive home w/o headlights tonight and if I do I sure hope the wife doesn't notice. I would rather the cops notice.

[john walker's workshop]

jump battery power to two headlight fuses. there are four. one for each beam. a couple of alligator clip jumper wires are all you need. it's probably the dimmer switch that's gone bad.

[cstreit]

I lost both headlights in my 930 when the voltage regulator failed. Overvoltage burned them out.

[kjb]

my dimmer switch / light switch went out with a rain of sparks and a pop a couple of weeks ago. I was told it's a very uncommon failure.

/ J

[kwm]

kjd- Wow sounds like a fire hazard. My dimmer switch is new so I would not think it is that. The light switch looks hard to chagne so I hope it isnt that.

[Steve 82SC]

Don't forget to look at the turn signal switch/lever. Turn the lights on and give it a jiggle. If they're going bad, you can tell when you pull back on the lever slightly and the headlights come back on.

Steve

[kwm]

Thanks Steve