Low Beam Works On Bright Not On Low

[Ludigdrums]

On my '81, the drivers side low beam just went out the other night, however it comes on with the brights. So, the bulb isn't out.

Where should I start looking?! The wiring at the bulb has to be correct or else it wouldn't come on with the brights right?

Thanks for the help in advance!

- Jeremy

 

[bill81vette]

check to see if the wire is loose on the back of the lite,I had the same problem with mine,might have to tighten the connection with a pair of pliers,not so much as to crush,it but just a little to tighten it up.

bill

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

I believe the low beam lamps have both a low beam and high beam filament in them. That's why there's three wires.

Your low beam filament might be burnt out.

 

[jdp6000]

Sounds like the bulb. Try changing it.

Jim

 

[Ludigdrums]

Ok thanks, I will try those things and get back to you.

Doesn't it figure though, that with a Vette, you can never just assume that it will be a cut and dry problem. Gotta love it though!

- Jeremy

 

[ChuckG]

I believe the low beam lamps have both a low beam and high beam filament in them. That's why there's three wires.

Your low beam filament might be burnt out.

As Mikey says, the "low beam" is a "3 prong" bulb. Has 2 filaments, one for low, one for high.

The "high beam" is a "2 prong" bulb....has only one filament...when the high beam comes on.

Sounds like your low beam filament is burned out, a VERY common situation. Chuck

 

[Ludigdrums]

Thanks everyone...this was one of the easy fixes. Just a bulb.

Still, the weird thing is I don't see much of a difference from the low beams when the high beams are on. I guess I would have to A B it with someone else turning the brights on and off.

Another success story...Thanks!

- Jeremy

 

[Mr. Chuck]

Jim is on the money, shop manual shows that low beam lamps have dual elements, while the high beam lamp have only one element. The low beam lamp second element is only used when you go to high beam. The low beam element is burnt out as you found out.