My passenger headlight goes dim on me from time to time. I'm assuming the both blinker indicaters being lit in my instrument cluster is a signal for the headlight issue? Usually it returns to normal on me after a few minutes and the blinker arrows shut off. I cleaned up the ground for the headlight with no improvement. Also, I can make the headlight go dim by turning on the fogs (which do not light up). The headlight sometimes returns to normal when I shut off the fogs, and sometimes it comes back whenever it feels like it. Any thoughts on where to look next?

 

I see you've cleaned the ground side. Have you checked / cleaned the hot side - the connector at the back of the headlight bulb capsule? Bulbs generally go "dim" due to insufficient voltage (like a bad connection) or a bulb going bad. Once they go bad, they don't come back though. That's why I'd start checking connections and voltage at those connections.

 

The blinker indicators being lit while the problem occurs sounds like a short of some kind. Since you have a 2000 model you may want to do a SEARCH on "multi-function switch" or "mal-function switch" in the ELECTRICAL forum. There was a rash of blinker problems a few years ago, and there was a good thread about cleaning the goop out of the switch. I was one of the posters that included a DIY on the operation. You would be suprised at the amount of "stuff" inside the switch.

If the fogs are aftermarket the harness could be an issue, or the headlight switch itself could be failing.

Who knows; maybe the headlight is about to fail. You didn't mention if the headlights are stock or upgraded aftermarket ones. There was a problem with people putting too powerful wattage bulbs in to get the "cool blue-white" look, and they wound up ruining the wiring harness or starting their truck on fire. I'm not saying you did, but if the truck was purchased used the previous owner may have tried that in 2000/2001. That's when that was a popular problem.

Good luck.

 

The fogs are OEM, but i put in some silverstar bulbs about a year ago. I hadn't heard of the switch problem before, so I will do a search on that. I will also give the hot wire a looksy too. Thanks for the ideas...