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Thank You Edison, But I Hate Electrical Work. Headlights Out.

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Monty, May 23, 2020.

  1. May 23, 2020
    Monty

    Monty New Member

    Pasadena, CA
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2019
    Messages:
    26
    I’ve read a lot of posts about electrical systems here- mine has been cut and added to, fuse panel added, and seemingly had every wire raised around everything else- the perfect rays nest. So, I’ve opted for the 21 circuit ez wiring system- on order. in the meantime though, I shorted something out and now my headlights won’t turn on- only the headlights. I changed the bulbs, the circuit breaker behind the switch (not the switch though as I have a dimming dash function and don’t want to lose that), and am taking a look at the floor dimmer today.

    I’ll of course sort this out with the new harness, but in the meantime, are there any other weak links I ought to look at?
    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. May 23, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Aug 3, 2003
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    9,754
    The floor dimmer is logical.

    Also, on the inner front left fender there may be a three-wire junction block for the headlights. Testing there or jumping power to that may be revealing.
     
    melvinm likes this.
  3. May 23, 2020
    boopiejones

    boopiejones I can’t drive 55

    California east bay
    Joined:
    Mar 16, 2020
    Messages:
    545
    I agree with PeteL. You can bypass the foot dimmer to rule that out, or just use a multimeter to see where the power stops. start with the light switch in the on position and check for voltage at the fender junction block. Assuming that has no power, then work your way back to the dimmer and then the switch to figure out where the problem is.

    for what it’s worth, my dimmer wasn’t working well, but after cycling it about 20 times it seems to have cleaned up the inner contacts so it’s working fine now.

    I also pulled a rats nest of wiring out of my Jeep and it still ran fine. I also pulled out a real wasp nest and a real bird nest. Lol. I ended up using a basic fuse block and rewiring everything by hand. I looked into a 21 circuit panel (actually bought and returned it) as it is way overkill unless you have a ton of accessories. I’m only using 5 on my main panel, and I plan to add a second panel to separately fuse the few things running off my ignition acc post.
     

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  4. May 23, 2020
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Yep, the floor-mounted dimmer switch could be a problem. Usually you'll lose just highs or lows though, not both. Bad ground at the grille usually loses one side or the other.

    You have a multimeter? If not, I suggest you get one and learn to use it. You can trace forwards from the light switch, or backwards from the lights, until you find the problem. A test light will also work in this situation.
     
  5. May 24, 2020
    Jrobz23

    Jrobz23 Member

    Northern, WI
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    942
    Check the ground too
     
  6. May 24, 2020
    Monty

    Monty New Member

    Pasadena, CA
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    Sep 9, 2019
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    Upgraded to a multimeter from a little single light current tester this past week and learning the ropes. Spent the day hunting things down and think it's a ground somewhere. Going back in this morning - getting under that dash is tough - you need to be a contortionist!
     
  7. May 24, 2020
    Monty

    Monty New Member

    Pasadena, CA
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2019
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    26
    Update: I’m an idiot.
    Lesson: keep it simple stupid. Also, glass fuses may appear in tact, but are in fact blown out.

    Yep- after chasing wires, swapping switches, etc, it was the damn fuse.
    Hahaha. Beers with Dad and scratching our heads yesterday was worth it though.
     
    Alan28 likes this.
  8. May 24, 2020
    Alan28

    Alan28 Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Châtillon en...
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    The problem with electricity is that there is no mystery, it is logical. :crazy:
    But...Electricity in itwelf is a Mistery. It is magic and so powerful.
    Peop!e believe that it is a standard but imagine life without electricity :banghead:
     
    ojgrsoi likes this.
  9. May 24, 2020
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    That's the genius of the stock wiring- No Fuses to Blow Out ! :)
     
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  10. May 25, 2020
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    And potential fires to keep you warm in the winter time!
     
  11. May 25, 2020
    Monty

    Monty New Member

    Pasadena, CA
    Joined:
    Sep 9, 2019
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    Very happy to report that my entire system is sorted - and I learned a lot - without any shorts or electrocution. With exception for my gas gauge - next on the list, was working - all lights are fully functional, and in top shape. I rebuilt my dimmable dash switch, my blinker switch, and mapped my fuse box.

    Thank you all for comments.
     
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