92 s13 Coupe: Headlamp Issues (will popup but wont light up)

[znelson]

After 2 months I finally get my s13 in condition to drive.. I need to fine tune the timing.. but the rebuilt ka definately feels like it has new life. The only problem Im having now is my damn headlights wont come on.. they popup.. but wont light up. I checked all the fuses (under the hood and in the car) and the 2 snap plugs by the lights.. still wont light up. Be really suprising if both lights went out at the same time for no reason.. anyone ever had this problem before? O ya, when I turn the lights on the running lights and rear lights come on fine, just no headlamps.

[NISTECH]

possible head light switch not providing good ground.

[znelson]

Wouldnt happen to know where I could check those grounds would you? I looked but couldnt find. (or if I can find the ground wire, could I just ground them to chassis?)

[NISTECH]

The switch provides the ground to the headlight circuit. The contacts inside typically go bad. IF you can borrow a switch to comfirm thats your problem its the easiest way. If not use a test light at the head lights and check for power and ground. If you flip the high beams on do they illuminate?

[znelson]

Interesting, I havent tried switching to high beams.. however I know the car highbeams didnt work when I got it.. so maybe were on to something here. You are talking about the switch at the steering column correct? And if I need to tear that thing down.. sounds time consuming lol.

[NISTECH]

nah its not that bad to swap out. To test it you just unplug the connector from behind it and plug it into the known good one without installing it and flip the lights on. if the lights now work you found your problem just replace the switch.

[znelson]

That ground switch is different from the ground switch for the headlamps? (only reason I say is becaus they popup.. btw thanks for all the help, I def. have somewhere to start.

[NISTECH]

Seperate circuits.

[znelson]

Ok well Ill switch Ill mess with it when I get off work.. if the switch is good.. what else could be the culprit?

[znelson]

Ill give you some major props, swapped switches.. worked instantly. Thanks for the advice.

[NISTECH]

Thanks for the props but I have likely replaced over 100 of those switches in nissans during the past 11yrs I have been a nissan dealer tech...lol