I've got an '86 cougar gs/ls (not sure which) and I'm trying to convert my headlights to the newer h4 style and i'm having a wiring problem. i got a new harness to handle the power and such, but when i turn my lights on, all four come on, and then when i turn on the brights, all four turn off. i'm in need of help! any idea's?
I'd say... hmmmm... a wiring error?
Did you remember to use the adapters for the main lights?
The original 4656's have the ground/high/low terminals arranged differently than "normal" bulbs (like H4's).
you have to rotate the wires around in the original harness. I can't remember exactly what order.. Eric can chime in on this..
i got an APC harness for the new lights that plugs into the original harness for one of the main lights, which I assume just gets the signal from the switch but gets power straight from the battery. all that to say this. i'll probably need to rearrange the wiring on the new harness? that was my guess but wanted to find out from the experts. thanks
ooh shiznit now we are offically experts,:grinno: that scares me J/J
Yep...I can't remember the order though. I'll check that Fri. night on the convertible and post the info here.
As far as I can tell, rotate everything one spot to the right.
Looking at the back of the bulbs:
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thanks! i appreciate it!
I think that's correct...again, I'll double-check tonight but that sounds right to me.
I'd guess incorrect wiring as well. With the low beams on the headlights are seeking ground through the high beam elements. The high and low elements are lighting up at reduced brightness because they're in series. When you switch to high beam mode the path to ground is replaced with a "hot". You've now got "hot" on both sides of the circuit so no current will flow. This is why all four go out when you switch on the high beams.
that was the right arrangement. got it working now. thanks! and you guys are experts compared to myself! haha
Is it possible that instead of repinning the plug on the stock wiring harness, you could just repin the plug on the APC harness? That way if the need ever arises that you need to switch back to the stock set up, it is that much easier. I know, I dug up an older post. But I am going to buy the light housings and bulbs today, I already have the harness, and I just wondered.