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TR6 Head light mystery

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wlivesey

Senior Member
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Hello guys,
I have a 75 TR6 with a master light switch on the dash and a dimmer switch on the column. The parking lights work fine when I turn them on using the master light switch. If I try to turn on the headlights I only have the tail lights on - no head lights. In addition, if I use the dimmer switch to flash the headlights, the headlights will flash so I know the headlights have power. I have tried cleaning the dimmer switch contacts but it has not helped. Do you think the problem is the dimmer switch or am I missing something? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Bill L
 
I had similar problems with my '73 TR6. One light came on and one didn't. I pulled the headlight that didn't light and my continuity meter said it was good. Problem turned out to be one of the lucar connectors the went to the headlight. I cleaned it and used some dielectric grease and the headlight has worked since.
 
Seems unlikely to be a ground issue, since both lights work with the "flash to pass" feature.

However, the FTP gets power through an entirely different path than the normal headlight circuit. I would be trying to test whether you are getting power out of the main lighting switch (indicating the problem is the column switch or the wiring to it); or not. Turn on the main switch and use a voltmeter/DMM or (unpowered) test light to check for power on the blue wire. My guess is that you'll find none (or very little), indicating the main switch has a problem.
 
You were right TR3driver. I have no power coming out of the blue (headlight) wire. I put the blue wire on the parking light master switch connection and the headlights worked. Is it safe for me to assume the problem is with the switch?
 
Seems pretty conclusive to me.
 
I took the master light switch apart (2nd time) cleaned the contacts and this time I have the head lights working. Success! Thank you all, specially TR3driver.
 
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