1986 240 Wagon Low Beams Not Working

Bluebrick86 · Post by **Bluebrick86** » 14 Sep 2014, 20:37

Hello, I have a 1986 240 Wagon with non-functioning low beam headlights. The 2 filaments in the bulbs are intact, and are not burned out. The fuse is not burned out, I replaced it just to eliminate that possibility. The high beams work fine, activated by the right hand side cruise control/turn signal switch. I replaced the round light switch, and that did not solve the problem either. Just to cover bases, I replaced the positive and negative battery cables. As a former Mopar collector, I am familiar with fusible links, ballast resistors, and other old car gremlins, maybe its time to chase wires for 'shorts and grounds'. Any help is appreciated, thanks.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 14 Sep 2014, 22:40

Bluebrick86 wrote:1986 240 Wagon with non-functioning low beam headlights.

Never been down this road, but most likely a relay is involved. As usual, before spending bucks, confirm with logic probe (aka test light) that relay is bad...not a signal/ground issue.

1986 240 wiring diagrams.

Bluebrick86 · Post by **Bluebrick86** » 21 Sep 2014, 15:15

Thanks for the reply, I replaced the headlight relay and it's the same condition, bright lights only, no low beams. I checked the leads on the relay, I know that 0 or infinite resistance would mean a burnt out/corroded contact inside the relay, but there are definite resistance numbers on my voltmeter, so both relays are fine. I wish it was as simple as a bulb,fuse, relay, or a switch. Now I must take this circuit apart, plugs, switches, and go through it with contact cleaner. While I am not attached to this car, I'm selling it for $1,000. It runs great, in the daytime.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 21 Sep 2014, 16:14

Bluebrick86 wrote:headlight relay .

Check relay's ground...years ago, I had an issue with headlights on 1984...so simple, clean up ground.

I've not messed with this circuit, but as stated: confirm with logic probe (aka test light) that relay is bad...not a signal/ground issue.

Hence, one has to find the signal wire(s) that trip the relay, and determine if the signal is present.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 21 Sep 2014, 16:15

$1,000. It runs great,

Got Pics

Bluebrick86 · Post by **Bluebrick86** » 23 Sep 2014, 22:04

Thank you for another possible solution, I will try it. I have pics of it, I don't know where to post/send them. It runs great, seems to need struts, a brake job, and of course, a solution to the lack of low beam lights. I'm going to tune it up this weekend. I'm not too attached to it, it's too nice for me, I wish I bought a old pickup instead. $1,000 or best offer takes it, title is in my name.

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 24 Sep 2014, 06:36

Bluebrick86 wrote:lack of low beam lights

I will look at wiring diagram later today.

>bought a old pickup

Right, get 12 mpg...

93Regina · Post by **93Regina** » 24 Sep 2014, 12:28

Bluebrick86 wrote:I don't know where to post

One could get a Photobucket account.

When taking pics, try to use a digital camera, which has a decent lens...cellphones suck.

Bluebrick86 wrote:solution to the lack of low beam lights.

The headlight relay sends voltage directly to highbeams, and when on low beam, voltage goes thru the Bulb Failure Warning Sensor, and then voltage goes to headlights. So check out that URL