Headlights draining battery

[Tommy B.]

As a new member, this is my first posting. I have a problem with my 1959 Corvette. Driving at dark, with the headlights on, the battery seems to drain. I have enough juice to keep the lamps bright, but if I stop the car after about 30 miles I have to jump start it. I have noticed that when the low beam is on, the high beam bulbs glow faintly. Could this be a malfunction in the high/low beam switch? Thanks for any help.
Tommy

[Mike M.]

Re: Headlights draining battery

welcome aboard. i'd check and make sure the generator is charging( start the car up, let it idle in neutral, then disconnect one of the battry cables, or turn the battery disconnect switch of).if the engine continues to run when you've disconnected the battery, then you'll know the genrator is charging(but not if its charging enough). after you've eliminated the generator/regulator as culprits, then i'd check the wiring to the headlamps. you may have the wires to the low and high beams crossed. good luck.mike

[Jack H.]

Re: Headlights draining battery

Filaments that glow dimly when not actuated is typically the result of poor HL circuit grounding. When the main path to ground has too much ohmic contact resistance, current will 'feed back' and ground through the unused lamp filament(s).

But, that wouldn't necessarily cause your fully charged battery to go 'flat' in a short 30 mile drive IF your generator is charging properly. Sounds like there's more than just one problem here.

If you're not electrically inclined, I'd consider making an appointment with a local auto electric shop. They can typically fault isolate such things in 30-minutes flat!

[Tommy B.]

Re: Headlights draining battery

Thank you very much Mike. I will do that. I have the car in Colorado and will not be able to work on it until in a couple of weeks, but will let you know how it went. Tommy

[Jack H.]

Re: Headlights draining battery

If you're near Denver, there's an auto electric shop that local chapter members favor in Lakewood (D&D Electric) should you want an independent to look 'er over...