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Classic/Antique Car Repair/1954 Chevrolet Headlights

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Expert: - 4/26/2010


Question
My 54 headlights will work on high beam.  My dash lights work, the brake lights work, but low beams and parking lights and turn signals will not work.  What could be the problem?

Answer
Sound like it could be several problems. The first thing that I would check is the headlight bulbs them selves. Low beams will burn out before high beams as they are used more. And they will usually burn out at about the same time. If the bulbs are OK then use a test light or voltmeter to make sure that voltage is getting to the head light socket when the dimmer switch is on the high beam. No voltage indicates bad wiring but more likely defective dimmer switch. For the turn signals I would check for an in line fuse or a defective flasher. And the parking lights do not come on with the headlights like a modern car and only work on the first stop of the headlight switch. But I would start with the bulbs as they are fused with the head and dash lights.
Brad

Classic/Antique Car Repair

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Brad Sears

Expertise

All automotive including antique and collectible. However if the car has been modified I can only answer in general terms and maybe get you pointed in the right direction.

Experience

Automotive tech instructor. Syndicated auto columnist 1970's though the early 1990's. Syndicated auto radio talk show, Ask Brad About cars, CBS Radio 70's through 90's TV Show "Last Chance Garage" 1980's PBS-TV syndicated. Auto instructor for the following companies: Fram Autolyte Holly Carter AMF Ford Motor University Of Conn Blue Hills Technical School Sugar River Technical Center Grew up in a family garage in Needham Mass and turned wrenches from the age of 14.

Publications
Manchester Union Leader, Nashua Telegraph, Motor Service Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Popular Mechanics (Saturday Mechanic early 80's), Los Angeles Times, New York Times, and lots more.

Education/Credentials
More than I care to remember. Basically Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, Northeastern University, Fitchburg State Teachers College, Tufts University, and a lot of factory schools along the way.

Awards and Honors
Moto Award winner. And much more.

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