High Beams function, low beams don’t
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High Beams function, low beams don’t
So i bought a 1980 Ford f-250 302 and am having a problem where my high beams work but low beams do not and am trying to figure out a fix for it. i’ve replaced headlights and checked fuses. not sure what else to check. Thanks
Last edited by Samuel Thompson; Sep 22, 2018 at 12:00 PM. Reason: more info
Ford Parts Specialist
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Step on the floor mounted dimmer switch and see what happens.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
C0TZ-13A024-A .. Dimmer Switch (Motorcraft SW-263) / Obsolete ~ Available NOS, from auto parts stores, from repro parts sellers.
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If the lights turn off, the dimmer switch is defective. This is a very common problem with this switch that was used in cars/trucks beginning in 1960.
C0TZ-13A024-A .. Dimmer Switch (Motorcraft SW-263) / Obsolete ~ Available NOS, from auto parts stores, from repro parts sellers.
C0TZ-13A024-A .. Dimmer Switch (Motorcraft SW-263) / Obsolete ~ Available NOS, from auto parts stores, from repro parts sellers.
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From: Angier, NC
LOL with the young ones now getting into the older cars & trucks we have to make sure you know of this floor dimmer switch.
Bill is right hit the local parts store and pick one up they are cheap.
If you want to make sure that is the issue unplug the wires from the switch. Using a test light find what contact has power with the head lights on.
Once you know that take a jumper from that one to 1 for the other 2 contacts. One of the 2 is low beam the other is high beam.
If you want to drive it jumped to low just make sure it is taped up good so it does not short out to ground till you get the new switch.
Dave ----
If the lights turn off, the dimmer switch is defective. This is a very common problem with this switch that was used in cars/trucks beginning in 1960.
C0TZ-13A024-A .. Dimmer Switch (Motorcraft SW-263) / Obsolete ~ Available NOS, from auto parts stores, from repro parts sellers.
C0TZ-13A024-A .. Dimmer Switch (Motorcraft SW-263) / Obsolete ~ Available NOS, from auto parts stores, from repro parts sellers.
If you want to make sure that is the issue unplug the wires from the switch. Using a test light find what contact has power with the head lights on.
Once you know that take a jumper from that one to 1 for the other 2 contacts. One of the 2 is low beam the other is high beam.
If you want to drive it jumped to low just make sure it is taped up good so it does not short out to ground till you get the new switch.
Dave ----
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LOL with the young ones now getting into the older cars & trucks we have to make sure you know of this floor dimmer switch.
Bill is right hit the local parts store and pick one up they are cheap.
If you want to make sure that is the issue unplug the wires from the switch. Using a test light find what contact has power with the head lights on.
Once you know that take a jumper from that one to 1 for the other 2 contacts. One of the 2 is low beam the other is high beam.
If you want to drive it jumped to low just make sure it is taped up good so it does not short out to ground till you get the new switch.
Dave ----
Bill is right hit the local parts store and pick one up they are cheap.
If you want to make sure that is the issue unplug the wires from the switch. Using a test light find what contact has power with the head lights on.
Once you know that take a jumper from that one to 1 for the other 2 contacts. One of the 2 is low beam the other is high beam.
If you want to drive it jumped to low just make sure it is taped up good so it does not short out to ground till you get the new switch.
Dave ----
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When you pull on the head light switch 1 wire goes out down to the floor switch it's job is to switch between low beam & high beam.
As Bill posted it is vary common.
It is on the floor and you are getting in & out with wet snow covered feet and stepping on this switch.
That gets into the switch and eats it up. The other thing was the wires/plug would also go bad and need replacing so look the plug over also.
Dave ----
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I grew up with the foot-operated dimmer switch down on the floor. Just never got used to the newer models with the switch up on the steering column. Always seemed awkward. Old habits die hard, I guess. I keep getting my foot caught in the steering wheel.
Well, it’s about time to put on my sensible shoes and head out to the early bird special at the Golden Corral buffet.
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My wife says I am more cranky this week but that is because of work, a 2 days up at 12am, 2 more at 2am and last 2 at 3am, all 6 days home about 5pm or 6pm.
Heck to tired to hit the car gathering just 2 miles down the road tonight.
As for the switch up by the wheel I have been driving them since 86, even my Kenworth work truck is up on the wheel.
Just testing my 81 truck feels strange but I am sure it will come back like riding a bike.
"Early bird special" I may be old but I refuse to go to them just yet LOL
Dave ----
Heck to tired to hit the car gathering just 2 miles down the road tonight.
As for the switch up by the wheel I have been driving them since 86, even my Kenworth work truck is up on the wheel.
Just testing my 81 truck feels strange but I am sure it will come back like riding a bike.
"Early bird special" I may be old but I refuse to go to them just yet LOL
Dave ----
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It's all good, we like to teach the younger ones the working of older trucks.
Do you know how to get the windows down? J/K
Seen a post in even older trucks area that a guy took his grand kids for a ride.
It was hot and they wanted to put the window down but could not find the button!
He had to show them the window crank and how it worked to get the window up & down.
You will find there is a certain way to start your truck as it has a carb, not EFI,
When cold push the gas pedal to the floor 1 or 2 times hold it just a little down and try and start it.
You need to push the pedal to close the choke and it also squirts gas down the carb before starting when cold.
Once hot all you should need to do is hold the pedal down a little and start it.
Some trucks when cold need only 1 pump or maybe 3. When hot maybe no gas it is something you have to learn what your truck likes.
Dave ----
Do you know how to get the windows down? J/K
Seen a post in even older trucks area that a guy took his grand kids for a ride.
It was hot and they wanted to put the window down but could not find the button!
He had to show them the window crank and how it worked to get the window up & down.
You will find there is a certain way to start your truck as it has a carb, not EFI,
When cold push the gas pedal to the floor 1 or 2 times hold it just a little down and try and start it.
You need to push the pedal to close the choke and it also squirts gas down the carb before starting when cold.
Once hot all you should need to do is hold the pedal down a little and start it.
Some trucks when cold need only 1 pump or maybe 3. When hot maybe no gas it is something you have to learn what your truck likes.
Dave ----
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It's all good, we like to teach the younger ones the working of older trucks.
Do you know how to get the windows down? J/K
Seen a post in even older trucks area that a guy took his grand kids for a ride.
It was hot and they wanted to put the window down but could not find the button!
He had to show them the window crank and how it worked to get the window up & down.
You will find there is a certain way to start your truck as it has a carb, not EFI,
When cold push the gas pedal to the floor 1 or 2 times hold it just a little down and try and start it.
You need to push the pedal to close the choke and it also squirts gas down the carb before starting when cold.
Once hot all you should need to do is hold the pedal down a little and start it.
Some trucks when cold need only 1 pump or maybe 3. When hot maybe no gas it is something you have to learn what your truck likes.
Dave ----
Do you know how to get the windows down? J/K
Seen a post in even older trucks area that a guy took his grand kids for a ride.
It was hot and they wanted to put the window down but could not find the button!
He had to show them the window crank and how it worked to get the window up & down.
You will find there is a certain way to start your truck as it has a carb, not EFI,
When cold push the gas pedal to the floor 1 or 2 times hold it just a little down and try and start it.
You need to push the pedal to close the choke and it also squirts gas down the carb before starting when cold.
Once hot all you should need to do is hold the pedal down a little and start it.
Some trucks when cold need only 1 pump or maybe 3. When hot maybe no gas it is something you have to learn what your truck likes.
Dave ----
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