Dim headlights

Topic: Dim headlights (Read 2063 times) previous topic - next topic

Dim headlights

January 17, 2017, 08:17:22 AM

Done my first night drive to find I couldn't see much high beam is devastating but low beam candles.thinking bad ground or switch.if someone can tell me where the headlights get ground from or any other things I should look at.

Dim headlights

Reply #1 – January 17, 2017, 03:05:55 PM

What year is the car?

Left and right sides use different grounding points.
The "flash to pass" doesn't use the main light switch. How does it look?

Dim headlights

Reply #2 – January 18, 2017, 01:53:47 AM

Did you lower the car or change the ride height? The angle or aim could be off.

Dim headlights

Reply #3 – January 18, 2017, 01:35:49 PM

I am pretty sure they ground right next to the hood supports on the header panel. Should be a green colored hex screw that secures the ground wire to the header panel. If you want to get better light out of them rewire them to a couple of relays as all of the power is coming through the headlight switch so it limits the output. Several threads on this here.

This is a picture of an '85 and down Fox Mustang but you can see the wires and green headed hex screws on either side of the hood supports about 4" over and 2" back directly on top of the header panel.

http://image.mustangmonthly.com/f/35745891/mump_1102_03_o+1984_ford_mustang_gt_convertible+engine_bay.jpg

Dim headlights

Reply #4 – January 18, 2017, 09:22:40 PM

X2 on what Aerocoupe said. Quick check is run a wire directly from the headlight ground directly to the battery negitive

Dim headlights

Reply #5 – January 20, 2017, 10:13:37 AM

Looks like my battery has died fully charged and gone nearly flat in 2 days recharged standing voltage 12.4v and the alternator is chucking out 14.6 volts at it.done some reading on headlights and going to rewire with relays to take the load off the switch gear.thanks for the help.

Dim headlights

Reply #6 – January 20, 2017, 10:33:00 AM

Replace your battery to engine block and engine block to frame grounds. Next replace the battery to starter solenoid cable. That will help immensely with charging and getting power to accessories. I would say replace the alternator to the battery or starter solenoid wire but you get into replacing fusible links with a wafer fuse setup if you still have the stock wiring so you may not want to go there. It is a huge difference but if you are not a 12V wiring kind of guy it can be a pain.

Several threads on this subject on here.

Dim headlights

Reply #7 – January 21, 2017, 04:41:43 PM

If your battery voltage drops below 12v and the lights go to candle power with the engine running and the headlights on, your alternator may be dying.
If your battery goes dead while parked for 2 days, you need to check for a battery drain with the car off.
To check: Disconnect the negative battery cable. Connect your test light between the negative battery cable and the negative battery post.
If the light lights, you have a battery drain.
First check for a light staying on; in the cabin, under the hood, glove box, trunk. Check after dark to make it easier.
No light on; disconnect all the wires from the positive battery cable side of the starter relay. Then put them back on one at a time, starting with the battery cable, to find the circuit with the current drain.

Dim headlights

Reply #8 – February 11, 2017, 02:29:29 PM

Hey Guys, will the 1988-89 FORD MUSTANG HEADLIGHT BULB KIT from LMR work well with the 87 Cougar XR7?

I'm do for some new bulbs... I want to freshen up the car this spring; new pulleys and deletes, throttle body, and hit exterior black trim with new paint.

My bulbs are dim probably just because they're so old. 9004's okay?
I've read mustang lamps are too hot, so would:

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/SYL6/9004SUBP/01576.oap?year=1987&make=Mercury&model=Cougar&vi=1198582&ck=Search_01576_1198582_-1&pt=01576&ppt=C0010

be better since they're lower wattage?

Thanks, I wish I can partite more on the blog