right headlight goes out when using high beams?

[kburley]

Hey guys, I have a '99 ford ranger xl single cab with the SOHC 2.5l four cylinder. I have always noted that there was little to no difference between high and low beam on the truck and figured out why tonight. It seems that both headlights work when the low beams are on, and for some reason the right headlight shuts off completely when I put on my high beams. The amber running light underneath it remains on, however, and the left headlight displays a high beam as it should. Does anyone have any idea why this is happening? Are the seperate bulbs and one is burnt out? Or could it be a funny connection?
absolutely any input is very much appreciated.

 

[RangerSVT]

Replace both headlight bulbs. When high beams are selected, the low beams are shut off. The high beam is burnt out, so when you put the high beams on, the light goes out...

SVT

 

[97RangerXLT]

^ What he said.

AJ

 

[kburley]

Thanks guys.

 

[kburley]

Replace both headlight bulbs. When high beams are selected, the low beams are shut off. The high beam is burnt out, so when you put the high beams on, the light goes out...

SVT

Are the high beam bulbs seperate from the low beam bulbs?

 

[exbass94]

Are the high beam bulbs seperate from the low beam bulbs?

No, it's the same bulb. It's a dual filament bulb. (the filament is the little wire inside the bulb, that's the part that actually lights up). So a dual filament bulb has two filaments: one for the high beam, and one for the low beam. What often happens is just one of the filaments burns out, while the other one still works fine. That's why your low beam might work, but the high beam won't, or vice versa.

 

[Chris_North]

FYI pulling back on the Hi/Lo selector (as if to signal another driver) will illuminate both filaments. I don't know how that might help you.

Kinda unusual for the high beam to burn out but not impossible.