Need help with headlights

[Yates]

I have an 83 regal that has been sitting in the garage since last year. Car runs great but I just realized that my headlights are not working. All other lights work except the headlights. I tested to see if there is power to them which there is not. My only idea where there may be a problem is my high beam switch is broken therefore the high beams don't engage when i pull the lever back, which is on my steering column. Does anyone have any ideas if that could be the reason my head lights don't work? All fuses are fine. I also tested the yellow wire that goes from my headlight switch to the high beam switch and that works. One other thing is I do have power coming out of my headlight switch. The only wire that I don't have power on is the small brown wire that feeds my headlight. I'm lost and I can't drive this car at night until I fix this. TYIA

 

[BOXCARS]

Try a different switch if you can get one.

 

[pontiacgp]

Since the high beam switch needs to be replace I would replace that first. The high beam switch could be stuck on high beam but defective and not sending the power to the headlights.

 

[79 USA 1]

Sounds like the dimmer switch has given up. I had a 79 Malibu that went from only high beams to nothing at all in a matter of minutes.
Rock Auto has them listed for about $4.15 up to $38.79 plus shipping.
http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...,electrical-switch+&+relay,dimmer+switch,4340

 

[airboatgreg]

The headlight switch and dimmer switch are inexpensive. I would start with dimmer first as we know there is an issue. Next pull headlight switch and see if you have current on the big red wire. If not could be a fuse link issue at starter. If you do...probably a bad switch

 

[Yates]

Awesome thanks guys. I tested the wires on the dimmer switch and the yellow wire is the only one with power was gonna jump that to the brown wire which is headlights to see if that's it. The dimmer switch looks like a b*tch to get out. Do I have to drop the steering column to remove it?

 

[airboatgreg]

No,
Not to bad to replace. Tape rod to column to first as it connects up top,. will make it easier

 

[pontiacgp]

and when you install it if you have a tilt steering make sure you have it adjust so it works with all angle of the steering wheel. If you do want to drop the column to make the job easier a long 5/8" socket works on the two nuts holding the column in place.