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headlights out on my 68 CJ5

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by rmandree, Oct 15, 2008.

  1. Oct 15, 2008
    rmandree

    rmandree Jeep Newbie

    Baton Rouge, LA
    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
    Messages:
    18
    Can anyone tell me where to start checking on the problem. The other day both of my lights went out--so I am assuming it is not a bulb issue. Should I check wiring, fuses, etc? Can anyone tell me where locate the possible problem areas?

    Ryan
     
    rmandree, Oct 15, 2008
    #1
  2. Oct 15, 2008
    Gregg

    Gregg Gregg

    Oak Hills
    Joined:
    May 30, 2008
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    49
    Start at the use panel "IN" and check voltage, then check fuse, then "OUT" and then to the switch, High Low switch, etc all the way to the bulb. Each bulb has its own ground so that is probably OK.
     
    Gregg, Oct 15, 2008
    #2
  3. Oct 15, 2008
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
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    Nov 27, 2006
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    You ever consider that it might just be afraid of the dark?R)
     
    1960willyscj5, Oct 15, 2008
    #3
  4. Oct 15, 2008
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    Sep 20, 2002
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    Keep the jokes to a minimum in tech please.

    There are no fuses in an Early 5 stock. I'd check the light switch. Do your other lights work?
     
    sparky, Oct 15, 2008
    #4
  5. Oct 15, 2008
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    Sep 22, 2002
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    8,360
    Yes, I'd check power in/ out at the headlight switch, and also at the dimmer switch..
     
    Patrick, Oct 15, 2008
    #5
  6. Oct 15, 2008
    WYOMIKE

    WYOMIKE Oct 1971 pic

    Parkman, Wyoming
    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2003
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    685
    If the wiring is somewhat factory, the light switch has a built in circuit breaker on the back of it. After you lost the lights, did you wait awhile for it to reset and try it again? That breaker also feeds all the other light besides the head light, so if one of them shorted out, it would knock all lights out. You need to check if you have voltage before and after the light switch to see where the problem is.
    See http://www.earlycj5.com/tech/wiring/pdf/CJ_With_V6.pdf
    for a wiring diagram
     
    WYOMIKE, Oct 15, 2008
    #6
  7. Oct 15, 2008
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    Ah, yes, that one is prone to going bad since it may be more exposed to water, etc. Thanks Patrick.
     
    sparky, Oct 15, 2008
    #7
  8. Oct 15, 2008
    Patrick

    Patrick Super Moderator Staff Member

    Los Alamos, NM
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    Sep 22, 2002
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    When I bought my Jeep, it had no headlights. I punched the dimmer 4 or 5 times, and they started working.;)
     
    Patrick, Oct 15, 2008
    #8
  9. Oct 16, 2008
    windyhill

    windyhill Sponsor

    PA
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    Nov 4, 2006
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    yep had trouble with mine as well.
     
    windyhill, Oct 16, 2008
    #9
  10. Oct 16, 2008
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
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    Nov 15, 2003
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    Like others have said make sure to check the switch itself. I went on my first off road trip 13 years ago and the minute I drove on the dirt the switch failed. After it cooled off for a while it started working again.
     
    jzeber, Oct 16, 2008
    #10
  11. Oct 19, 2008
    rmandree

    rmandree Jeep Newbie

    Baton Rouge, LA
    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
    Messages:
    18
    yes, and my headlights occasionally work
     
    rmandree, Oct 19, 2008
    #11
  12. Oct 19, 2008
    rmandree

    rmandree Jeep Newbie

    Baton Rouge, LA
    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2008
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    how do you punch the dimmer
     
    rmandree, Oct 19, 2008
    #12
  13. Oct 19, 2008
    russo

    russo Hope is not a method

    Norris, Tennessee
    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    Messages:
    498
    I go through this problem on a semi-regular basis. I have never has a problem that cleaning the various contacts and connections did not fix. The dimmer and light switch are frequently the culprits.
     
    russo, Oct 19, 2008
    #13
  14. Oct 19, 2008
    sparky

    sparky Sandgroper Staff Member Founder

    Perth, WA
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    Hit it with your foot a few times to brighten and dim it like you would for oncoming traffic.
     
    sparky, Oct 19, 2008
    #14
  15. Oct 19, 2008
    Walt Couch

    Walt Couch sidehill Cordele, Ga. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    cordele, Ga.
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    Unless it has been by-passed, the dimmer-switch will be mounted on the floor just to the left of the clutch pedal.
     
    Walt Couch, Oct 19, 2008
    #15
  16. Oct 19, 2008
    gasman

    gasman Member

    mariposa calif...
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    May 13, 2007
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    yeah get a new switch mine did the same thing sprayed contact cleaner in mine and worked the little bugger in and out it started working.Put H-4 motorcycle lights just use the switch to excite the relay now . almost like daylight. I carried a bright flashlight before as it seemed to be brighter than the lights were.
     
    gasman, Oct 19, 2008
    #16
  17. Oct 19, 2008
    1960willyscj5

    1960willyscj5 Well-Known Member

    Mesa, Arizona
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    2,793
    My light switch has a fuse mounted on it.

    The dimmer switch is probably the culprit,being mounted from the out side of the tub, at least mine is.:coffee:

    How ever it is a '60 model and that may be changed by 1968.
     
    1960willyscj5, Oct 19, 2008
    #17
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