I have got an '81 4x4.
problem: Driver's side Headlight is dimmer than Passenger side.
I have replaced the light, still dim, replaced the ground wire. Still dim.
Cleaned the Headlight connection with baking soda, contacts are now clean.
I have not started in to the headlight switch etc. Chilton's was not much help.
Is there a relay or something else easy that could be bad (relay etc)?
thanks,
Robb

 

could try going to 4crawer.com and get his up graded wiring harness

 

Try replacing the headlight fuse should be one for the rt and one for the left.

 

Thanks! I appreciate the input. I just dug through a box of stuff a friend gave me and remembered there was a PIAA H4 harness similar to what 4crawler sells. I will try the replacing the fuses first..I was braindead

 

You might try replacing the headlight relay, i don`t know if it will make a difference but its worth a try.

 

Make sure the harness is set up for switched ground operation. You may find the high beam indicator will not work if the wrong type of harness is used. Will need to keep track of where the dimmer switch is to figure out if the high beams are on or not:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#TechInfo

 

Roger:
Thanks for the info. If the PIAA harness did not work (it is) I was gonna be placing an order for one of yours. I had checked the fuses, relays etc and did not find the culprit. With the Hella H4's I put in it is pretty easy to tell the high/low. I do need to go through the dash lights and replace them all.

I love tracking down 25 years and who knows how many owners methods of fixing stuff. Scored a FSM for '81s off ebay. It is gonna be worth it just for the electrical
Robb

 

Good find on the '81 FSM, that should help a lot. At least you can find out the way it should be wired and find out what has been added/modified. And yes, putting switched power/aftermarket devices/wiring onto a switched ground system like the Toyota is tricky at best.