1965 Amazon Headlight Help

[thomglick]

The other day I forgot the lights on for about 3.5 hours. The car started right up, so I didn't think much of it. A few days later I realized -- while driving home late in the evening -- that the headlights were both out along with one of the taillights.

I swapped both headlights and -- this is where it gets unusual -- the right side lights up as expected, but the left side does not. The low beam doesn't activate, but the high beam does. I swapped bulbs in the parking lot of an AutoZone, so I assumed the low beam/high beam was due to a faulty bulb and swapped it again only to have the same issue. So, I'm assuming it's a car issue not a bulb issue.

Thoughts? Help?

[swedishandgerman]

Check the fuse and the fuse holder. That's the 3rd fuse down from the top for the lights. You might find that there's a build up of corrosion around the connectors.

Otherwise there's a plastic connector block about half way down the inner wing. Sometimes they get filled up with dirt and need cleaning out. But that doesn't explain the rear lights.

[Ron Kwas]

tg;

I expect you have multiple issues...possibly a lamp or open connection in the back and possibly a bulb out or chassis connection issue at the front. Address them one at a time...possibly also using a Multimeter on chassis connections to assure no voltage is present...if there is, a poor/open connection is present. Assure all connections are clean and tight! Refer to Wiring Diagram: http://www.sw-em.com/122S%20Wiring%20Diagram.jpg

Note: As can be seen on the WD, Fuse 3 protects Front and Rear Markerlights and Instrumentation Light Circuit. It does not affect Headlights in the least...Headlights are not fused! Lightswitch applies power, and Footswitch selects Hi/Main or Lo Beam. Flasher Relay can also apply power to Hi/Main Beams, and that is a function of Fuse 4.

See also: http://www.sw-em.com/electical_circuit_interaction.htm

Good Hunting!

[thomglick]

I misspoke and also an update.

I swapped out the taillight bulbs and those are working fine. The driver side headlight is still not functioning properly. However, it's the low beam that works and the high beam that does not.

I haven't had a chance to swap out fuses. That'll be next on my list.

FYI -- I just acquired the Volvo a few months back. This is my first adventure into working on a car. I have some very minor experience working on old motorcycles. Luckily, my father-in-law was a foreign car mechanic in Columbus OH back in the 70's, so he's mildly familiar with these things. I'm waiting for him to have some free time to help me with this lighting issue.

[swedishandgerman]

In which case, seeing as you know it's not the bulb - you say you've changed it - then you need to pay attention to the red wires (high beam). One high beam is working and the other isn't, so you're getting current from the switch for sure. As such, there's either a problem with the headlight bulb connector, a broken wire from somewhere between the junction box (black connector) inside the inner wing or the junction box itself. I bet it's the junction box as they go manky with a build up of dirt and moisture because of where it's located.

Sorry, I advised incorrectly looking at fuse 3. However, I would recommend regularly checking the fuse box for any build up of corrosion. It's regularly the cause of electrical problems.

[Volvorama]

The headlights themselves are not fused. The plastic multiblock is, however, a frequent source of problems. Also check the black earth wire from the headlamp which I think is fixed onto the inner wing. A circuit tester lamp would be useful to check if the headlamp connections are live. It can also be used to check earths.