I don't think it's the headlights. The dash lights are on a different line coming out of the headlight switch (they're on the parking light circuit). In response to Joes suggestion, headlight relays will probably fix the headlight part of the problem. but not the dash light part of the problem. For that, the switch will have to be opened and cleaned.
HTH, bs ________________________________ From: Carl R. Davis <[email protected]> To: Alfa-Digest <[email protected]> Sent: Thu, December 9, 2010 10:30:59 AM Subject: [alfa] Re: More light Weirdness >> Got a '73 Alfa Spider, US spec. Have owned the beast since I drove it brand new off the dealer's lot on 30 Jan 1974 (all comments about the stupid things the previous owner did have to directed to the mirror!). Recently, when I move the headlight switch lever down for high beams ALL lights go off, including the instrument panel. On the regular (up position - dipped) position the lights are fine. Headlights are Carello H4s (probably been there since the early 80s). Have shot contact cleaner into the switch to try to get things going to no avail. Switch was replaced with one off a junked Berlina also in the early 80s. Think I tossed the original switch then too so I don't have a carcass to experiment on. Have looked at the switch with the thought of disassembling it but it looks daunting. Any ideas on how to proceed or test points that I can explore with a multimeter to troubleshoot?<< It's the H4s! You didn't say you added high and low beam relays when you added the H4s, so I assume you didn't. For the second time you have burned up the contacts in you headlight switch. These switches were marginal for the current draw of normal headlights; they were never designed to handle the draw of high powered headlights. Carl R. Davis 2823 S. Rocky Hill Road, Galena, Illinois, USA 61036 750E, 750F, 10121, 105.62, 115.01, 115.41S4 -- to be removed from alfa, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi or email "unsubscribe alfa" to [email protected] -- to be removed from alfa, see http://www.digest.net/bin/digest-subs.cgi or email "unsubscribe alfa" to [email protected]
