Only Headlights won't come on!

[Ol' Yeller]

So I forgot to turn my headlights off before I shut the engine off and went into the store. Came back out and turned them off. Went to leave and now they won't come back on. All other lights work fine (dash, parking, etc.). When I pull the headlight switch out, the little red "bright lights" indicator comes on as well. Not sure what the heck is going on, seems like this happened before one time, but the problem fixed itself. Any ideas?

 

[nm9stheham]

2 probable issues:
- Headlight switch itself or its connector
- Dimmer switch on the floor; all headlight power from the headlight switch has to flow through it

The headlights do not get power via the fuse panel, BTW. To remove the headlight switch's knob and shaft, there is a small metal button under the switch that needs to be pressed; sometimes takes a few tries to get it to release the shaft.

 

[scottlanes]

2 probable issues:

- Dimmer switch on the floor

I've had this problem before. In my case the connector slipped off, plugging it back in fixed the issue

 

[Ol' Yeller]

Well I replaced the dimmer switch and checked the connection on it. No dice. I have a new headlight switch, so I guess that's what I'll try next. Not sure if it's related, but if I jiggle the wires going from the dimmer to the headlight switch, my dome light goes out. Thought that was odd...anyways, what's the best way to get at the headlight switch and swap it out?

 

[A383Wing]

need to know what we are working on first before we can tell you. I would also strongly suggest getting a service manual for the car, it will have all the info you need also

 

[Ol' Yeller]

Ah yes, forgot I don't have anything in my sig. It's a '73 Charger SE.

 

[A383Wing]

is it a pull style knob or a rocker switch style?

 

[nm9stheham]

Your headlight connector may be erratic; the dome light dimmer is in the headligths switch. Examine the connecotr as well as the switch.

 

[mopar 3 B]

Push in release button for switch knob and rod on light switch and pull out. Use large blade standard flat head screwdriver to remove stud holding light switch in dash. Remove switch.

 

[Ol' Yeller]

I have the pull style knob, I'll check it out tomorrow and see if the connection is bad.

 

[A383Wing]

disconnect battery, then pull knob out to full on, then depress button on switch opposite the wire connector, then pull knob all the rest of way. Unscrew bezel and remove complete switch