one of my headlights just randomly decided to dim itself to the point where it's barely on... I changed the bulb out and it still looks exactly the same. I don't know if it's something in the wiring or what? just wondering if anyone else has had this problem. Hope somebody reads this!

 

There is a poor circuit connection either the socket, a ground or a feed.
This drops the voltage accross the bad connection so the headlamp bulb doesnot get the full 13 volts it needs.
Look closely, it's there some where close by.

 

i've never messed much with headlight wiring... where do the wires go to?

It's kinda freezing cold and raining outside so I figured i'd ask rather than go out and try to stick my head under the hood and get soaked

 

I agree with Bluegrass. It helps a lot (to find this) that only one light is dim. Start with the socket or plug on the back of the lightbulb. Make sure all the connectors in the socket are shiny and clean. Check that the copper wires to the back of the socket connectors are somewhat copper colored (and not black).

The socket assembly can be purchased with about 8" of wires. Make sure that if your socket assembly is an old replacement, that the pigtail wires are tied into the original wiring harnes with good connections. Here is where you look for an old rattty electrical tape connection covering corroded blackend copper wires. If you have a bad connection, just trim the insulation back till you find good copper, solder the new connection and shrinkwrap or tape the new connection very carefully.

If any of those wires go to a ground screw it is worth it to pull the screw out and brush it clean with a wire brush.

If those don't do it look for any mashed or rubbed spots on the wiring harnes that feeds the headlights - but it is not so likely as those usually cause a fuse to blow when they short out.

May need a wiring diagram here : If THAT doesnt do it look for the other end of the power wire at the headlight relay ( if you have one) or the headlight switch. Again, look for a bad/corroded connection. Do the same for the ground wire connection.

good luck

 

hey guys I Definitely appreciate the help... another thing i forgot to mention was that the dim headlight stays the same on bright or dim, it makes no change whatsoever
haven't been around my truck today at all but I might be fumbling around in the dark here in a few

 

If both high and low are dim, start by looking for the bad connection on the ground wire as that is the wire shared by both high and low elements.

 

further inspection of the headlight socket itself showed that the Eurolite Xenon headlights I bought from circuit city almost 2 years ago had fried my socket... $6 fix from advance auto parts... i'll post a pic soon

 

i have to change my sockets but do you know how to match wires? the replacements I bought don't match thanks, jdo