RickH

'72 Cutlass
When I put my headlights on at night, (I don't drive much at night) I noticed that they slightly dim and then go back to full brightness about every second or so. It makes no difference if it's high or low beams. I tried replacing the voltage regulator, but no change.


I can hear a click somewhere under the dash as this happens. Any ideas what the problem may be?

MDchanic

The circuit breaker in your headlight switch is probably tired.

Pop down to the auto parts store and get a new switch.

- Eric

RickH

So when you say headlight switch, are you talking about what I call the dimmer switch, on the floor, that you use your foot to change from high to low beams?

MDchanic

The headlight switch. In the dash. Where the sound is coming from.



$16.20 or $22.95 or $19.99 or $14.99.

- Eric

Octania

get an NOS or used GM one if at all possible

longish story for another time

site is losing all my text today if not ENTERed within a minute or so

joe_padavano

Something must have been going on, as I noticed I had to log in today for the first time in a LOOOOONG time.

MDchanic

Y'know, now that you mention, I did, too.

- Eric

oldcutlass

Me too. Eric, IMHO, if the circuit braker loses contact the lights generally don't go dim. In most of my old gm cars, the issue the op is describing is a weak alternator or the idle is too low.

Lady72nRob71

Allocate several hours to replace this switch, as the location is a PITA. Hope you have smallish hands, too.

I had to last night, too. Website gremlins...

joe_padavano

If the breaker momentarily opens then closes again, the lights will appear to dim then come back. The filaments don't immediately stop glowing when you remove power.

oldcutlass

Ok makes sense, just never seen one cycle rigorously.