Re: low beam headlamps very dim

Posted by HH56 On 2023/10/5 15:19:55

Presuming the bulbs are correct and headlights aligned, the most common issue with a complaint of dim or non working Packard outside lights on most years is poor grounds. Headlight grounds are not usually as bothered with ground issues as parking and tail lights but can still have problems.

51-6 headlights get their ground via a wire in the cable from the socket in the bucket to the R & L fender terminal strips. The ground is under one of the strip to fender mounting screws. Rust, corrosion, and paint can do a job so the first suggestion would be to clean the ground terminal and screws and also make sure there is a good ground connection between the fenders and body.

Power to headlights is from an always on wire feeding other dash components. A spliced wire from that feed wire goes to the headlight switch. When the switch is on voltage then goes to the dimmer switch and then to lights. A bad connection on one of the wire terminals or a dirty or bad switch could be affecting the power supply to the bulbs. You might clean the terminals and also throw a meter between the ground screw and the Hi and Lo terminals at the right and left junction strips to verify there is a full 12.6 volts at least available to the strips. If not, then recheck grounds or clean or change a switch.

If you still see no difference one possible solution is add relays which would let you get power directly via a heavier wire. Eliminating the long run thru the headlight and dimmer switches via the stock smaller gauge wire often helps brightness a bit. Others have converted to halogen bulbs. If you go halogen bulbs check the wattage and amp requirement as it may be more than the stock lights and would need a relay to avoid damaging the old switches.