lights don't work diagnosis.

[Austin 4x4]

ok trying to find out why my headlamps and taillamps dont work, '73 J4000. dome lamps and heater control lamps work. i have the cluster out, going to a digital one. what is the purpos of the light blue wire that goes to the starter silonoid's "s" terminal, it looks like it goes directy to the lamp switch. i have power there constantly when in the acc position. thoughts?

[tgreese]

Wiring diagrams are here - http://oljeep.com/gw/elec/GW_wiring.html - the blue wire to the S terminal on the starter solenoid energizes the solenoid when you turn the key to start. It has to come from the starter switch.

Your question is not very clear. You always have power to the light switch - otherwise the lights would not turn on with the key off.

[Austin 4x4]

yep using that diagram. when the key is on and switch is on, i have power at all the I, H, R, and B1 terminals. dome lights and heater control lights work, all exterior lights do not work.

[tgreese]

Ok. Do you still have a problem?

[Austin 4x4]

That should have been "do not work". Now edited above. I hate posting here on my phone

[tgreese]

If you have power to the switch, and to terminal H, that goes to the dimmer switch. That's what I would look at first. Easy to check that the high beam light comes on - that means you have power going through the dimmer switch.

If you have power from the dimmer switch, everything appears to go through a bulkhead connector to the engine compartment. I'd print out the two sheets and piece them together so I could more easily see what connects to what. You can ttrace it out by the numbers, but one big sheet would be easier. Test that you have power on both sides of the bulkhead connection. Just trace it out till you find where it stops.

[Austin 4x4]

ok so more info i have power through the bulkhead connector for the taillamps, but they don't work. i checked for grounds but didn't see any. at the front i have power through the bulkhead for the low beams and marker lights. when i hit the dimmer switch i lose the power for the low beams, but get nothing for the high beams? looking at the wires i kinda wonder if it is like christmas lights, one burt bulb and they all go out. because when i check the side marker light socket with a volt meeter i get a full 12. but the bulb does not light up.

[Mr. Goatman]

i check the side marker light socket with a volt meeter i get a full 12. but the bulb does not light up.

Eh.. did you try replacing the bulb? Also, check the poles on the dimmer switch with a ohm meter.

[tgreese]

The lights are all in parallel. Nothing like a Christmas tree.

Isn't the dimmer switch inside the cabin? if you have power to the dimmer switch, but no further, just bypass the dimmer switch. Does the high beam indicator on the dash work? That is also connected to the dimmer switch.

Just follow the power from the light switch toward the lights. Eventually you will isolate the problem.