84 CJ: Headlights Stopped Working

[CJM1971]

Could use a little tech advice please. Picked up an 84 CJ 7 yesterday and of all things the headlights stopped working. Amber lights work up front and the rearlights work, but the headlights dont. I pumped the floor dimmer a few times because apparently the contacts can start going bad and I was told it may help. I would rather just fix it since thats sounds like a problem that could come back. First thought was to head to AutoZone and replace the dashboard headlight switch and the floor dimmer. I did have a shop install a horn button for me but from what I can tell they didnt cut into the headlight switch for power, just ran wires from the horn through the firewall by the steering column. Am I on the right track?

 

[Ron]

Check the ground wires behind the headlights notorious for bad connection there.

There is also a harness connector at the base of the steering column that can have connection issues.

The headlight switch can go bad but it wouldn't be my first guess

 

[CJM1971]

Thank you sir

 

[R Q]

Dimmer switch can cause them not to work

 

[CJM1971]

Thank you

 

[Ron]

I wasn't clear. The column harness could have caused your horn issues, not the headlight issue

 

[paradisePWoffrd]

Had this happen on a friends, going down the road at night. Dimmer got hot and fell apart.

Id check voltage there first.

If its that, get a good one.

 

[Tom@Hilltop_Machine]

Dimmer switch can cause them not to work

Yep being on the floor board it gets all the dirt and moisture and doesn't last forever.

 

[CJM1971]

Thank you all, dimmer switch was the issue, plug had come undone on the floor

 

[Tom@Hilltop_Machine]

 

[RenegadeT]

Late to the party here, but x3 or 4 on the dimmer switch. Mine gave up one dark night cruising down a country road, depressed it for brights...got nothing but complete darkness.