Headlights quit working. Put it in the garage in the evening, the next morning the lights come up but they don't come on. Nothing, no high beam no low. All of the rest of the lights are working, side lamps, parking lights, dash lights, but no headlights.

1) Fuse link blown
2) Headlight switch bad
3) Wiring loose at the starter. This one is the least likely scenario, but it could happen.

The headlights are powered thru a fuse-link from the starter. The other lights(tail/turn/dash) are all protected by different fuses in the fuse-box itself.

Does the horn work? Wiring diagram show the same power for the horn powers the headlights, but it does not show if there is a fuse-link before or after the relay.

There are also a couple of fuse-links coming off of the alternator, that power several systems. It could very well be one of those.Adams' Apple2006-09-30 19:28:32

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Joel Adams
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I have not checked the horn.  I will give it a try tomorrow.  Thanks for the info

You might also check to see if your battery connections are clean and tight after you check the list Joel gave you.  If you have side screw in connectors, they sometimes crack inside the battery and will show up the way you are describing.

Won't hurt to check!

Recently had a near identical issue. I agree with all of the above with checking the wires to make sure that everything is nice and snug. If still no lights, I would check to make sure you have power going into the switch. LukesVette2006-10-01 07:51:10

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Thanx, Paul...I didn't read all of the sympthoms listed! I apparently MISSED this "ticking around the heaglight switch area"!!(it was late when I read it!)
That would definitely be a bad switch. There is a breaker circuit built into the switch, and it will trip if there is an overload condition on that circuit, be it from a short, or even too many lights, or lights that use more amperage than the switch is designed for.
Usually, when the switch trips for a short in the wiring, it will reset after it cools down, and the process will start all over. If the thing is flickering/ticking quickly, it is a good indication that the circuit breaker has failed, and is unable to function properly.
Sounds like time for a light switch replacement!

btw...I can absolutely send a wiring diagram...just need an e-mail address. P/M me with that, and I'll send ya one pronto!

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Joel Adams
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U da man Joel!!

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Thanks to everyone for your help. I am convinced that the switch is the culprit.  I read in another post about lights going off then on as a result of halogen lights drawing too much current and tripping the circuit breaker in the switch.  Yesterday I check the lights again, this time sitting in the car
( last time I was standing over the engine compartment) and the ticking is definitely coming from the switch.

Joel, I would very much like to have a copy of the wiring diagram,
"monkmike@aol.com"

Thanks again to everyone

When you get ready to go back in with the switch, tighten up the connector on the red wire so that it is a very tight fit onto the blade of the switch.  Mine was loose and overheated the lower hi/lo beam switch.  After chasing this little gremlin, I finally found that tightening up the clip solved the prob!

Wirin diagram should be there shortly(no pun intended), Mike!

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Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Don't replace the switch until you check for a short.  A shorted light circuit will cause the exact problem, with a good switch.  The breaker may be bad, but it may be doing it's job.

I have a new switch on order, but I will certainly check for a short before installing.  Thanks for the tip

Joel

That's a nice car there, Mike!! Those look like the same rims I had on my '74. Sweet!

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Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks for the comment, but this forum is full of some great looking vetts, yours included.

Well the head light problem is solved . It turned out to be short and not the switch.  I replaced the switch with no success. I tried tracing wires but I soon realized I did not have the patience for that.

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Three out of four is still legal!!

Can we assume it is your headlights? That would be either three bad bulbs, or the connectors on the bulbs. Possibly a ground wire issue, but, that would be the last thing I would look for in this situation.
Try wiggling the connectors with the high-beams on, and see if they work.
It wouldn't surprise me at all to have three bulbs go out at the same time. I've had bulbs stored in boxes here, that worked when they were taken off the car, but didn't when they were put back on!

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Joel Adams
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[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]Three out of four is still legal!!

Can we assume it is your headlights? That would be either three bad bulbs, or the connectors on the bulbs. Possibly a ground wire issue, but, that would be the last thing I would look for in this situation.
Try wiggling the connectors with the high-beams on, and see if they work.
It wouldn't surprise me at all to have three bulbs go out at the same time. I've had bulbs stored in boxes here, that worked when they were taken off the car, but didn't when they were put back on! [/QUOTE]

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