82 sc headlight inop

[Kerschbaumer]

Running lights work, and high beams work when lever pulled back, but not when pushed forward. Low beams do not come on at all - Electrical stuff to me is 99% voodoo magic so any help is appreciated - where to start...

[pampadori]

Headlight switch and dimmer/turn signal stalk are both common issues. When I first bought my SC i purchased both switches new just to get that out of the way and replace them with new ones. I had read the often were points of failure due to design.

Lucky for me, it fixed 90% of my car's lighting issues. Wrong bulbs installed by PO fixed the last 10%.

Install for both is pretty easy once you understand how the HL switch is removed. There is a round nut that requires a pair of circlip pliers to remove.

[jdbunda]

Don't forget fuses, mine had issues with headlights until I thoroughly cleaned the fuse contacts, replaced with new fuses, and put dielectric grease on the fuses/contacts. The headlamp relay kit sold by our host (and others) allows the cabin headlamp switch to not have to carry all of the current of the lamps (which frequently is the cause of switch failure) - highly recommended.

[timmy2]

Odds are the contacts in the hi/lo switch are messed up. Very common. There is a very good thread on fixing them, search turn signals.
Add the headlight relay kit as well.