95 Headlight Woes

[samahi72]

95 Pick up. Four cylinder, 4 speed, 4X4. The passenger headlight will not illuminate on low beam. Pulled the headlight and my test light will barely glow. High beam works great, just trying to figure out where the best place is to start looking. Ideas?

[JB'sTitanXD]

Rock Auto is a good place for parts

[Desert Rat]

have you tried a new bulb?

[Shaggy020202]

I had assimilate issue and it was the light switch on the steering column. I took apart the switch and cleaned the contracts. The finger like contracts get black over time and loose the ability to conduct. I have also replaced it but cleaning works.

[Q451990]

Ditto on the switch... and to NICO shaggy!

If that doesn't fix it, I'd check the grounds near the headlight assembly. Once you have it up and running, check the reflective coating on the back of the bulbs to make sure it hasn't flaked off. I was amazed at how much brighter the ones on my '97 were after I replaced them. The reflective coating was so far gone that you could actually see light all the way through the bulb.

[samahi72]

Thanks for the suggestions. I know my grounds are good because I get full brillance using the high beam, also I my trouble light is fully light when I touch the high beam contact but will barely light when I touch the low beam contact. I am going to try and check the switch on the handle and clean the contacts.

[JarredH]

Double ditto on that. Mine wouldn't light up the driver's side in low beam most of the time, a good cleaning made it work perfect. As I understand it, they're like points ignition, and just get burnt over time.

Pull off the switch from the column, and pry it open with a small screwdriver, carefully. I remember it's one side you want off, but can't remember which. Google it, there's some info around somewhere, can't seem to find it myself.