Turn Headlights On, No Tail or marker Lights ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

54blackhornet · 11-14-2017, 12:43 PM

If I pull the headlight switch out one positionon my 71 the turn signal, side markers and tail lights come on. Pull to the next position the headlights turn on but everything else turns off ? Any suggestions ? Bad switch ?

Coley · 11-14-2017, 01:39 PM

I doubt its the switch......90% of these events are caused by having a bad ground within the system.
Time for some very, very simple electrical investigation to make sure all your ground points for the lights are in good shape.

Coley

67kid · 11-14-2017, 03:52 PM

push the dimmer switch

Barnfind46 · 11-14-2017, 04:03 PM

Change the dimmer switch or at least clean the contacts at the plug for the dimmer. Most of my problems with the lights were there. Lots of moisture and dirt get in there.

In The Ten Ring · 11-14-2017, 04:08 PM

My truck had this problem in the late 1980's. My dad owned it then and he fixed it by tracing it back and found a grounding issue underneath (if I recall what he said correctly).

54blackhornet · 11-14-2017, 04:55 PM

Thanks guys ! I did remove the rear bumper and disconnected some wires going to the license plate light, could that contribute to the problem ?

In The Ten Ring · 11-14-2017, 06:13 PM

Dad said it was the horn relay but ya, I think someone said their license plate light did that once too.

11-14-2017, 12:43 PM	#1
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,393	Turn Headlights On, No Tail or marker Lights ? If I pull the headlight switch out one positionon my 71 the turn signal, side markers and tail lights come on. Pull to the next position the headlights turn on but everything else turns off ? Any suggestions ? Bad switch ? __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD

11-14-2017, 01:39 PM	#2
Coley Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Victoria, B.C Posts: 3,794	Re: Turn Headlights On, No Tail or marker Lights ? I doubt its the switch......90% of these events are caused by having a bad ground within the system. Time for some very, very simple electrical investigation to make sure all your ground points for the lights are in good shape. Coley __________________ ....for some men, there is experience, skill and effort....for the others...there is visa and UPS LOL 1966 Chevy 1/2 ton (Florida- Red/white) 1972 Chevy 1/2 ton (California- Blue/white) 2005 Chevy Silverado HD2500/Duramax 2000 Dodge Ram 1500

11-14-2017, 03:52 PM	#3
67kid Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Mesa,Az. Posts: 534	Re: Turn Headlights On, No Tail or marker Lights ? push the dimmer switch

11-14-2017, 04:03 PM	#4
Barnfind46 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Mena,Arkansas Posts: 485	Re: Turn Headlights On, No Tail or marker Lights ? Change the dimmer switch or at least clean the contacts at the plug for the dimmer. Most of my problems with the lights were there. Lots of moisture and dirt get in there.

11-14-2017, 04:08 PM	#5
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,427	Re: Turn Headlights On, No Tail or marker Lights ? My truck had this problem in the late 1980's. My dad owned it then and he fixed it by tracing it back and found a grounding issue underneath (if I recall what he said correctly).

11-14-2017, 04:55 PM	#6
54blackhornet Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Eastern Oregon Posts: 2,393	Re: Turn Headlights On, No Tail or marker Lights ? Thanks guys ! I did remove the rear bumper and disconnected some wires going to the license plate light, could that contribute to the problem ? __________________ 71 C-20 07 Magnum RT AWD

11-14-2017, 06:13 PM	#7
In The Ten Ring Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: West Virginia Posts: 6,427	Re: Turn Headlights On, No Tail or marker Lights ? Dad said it was the horn relay but ya, I think someone said their license plate light did that once too.



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