One filament or two filaments at a time on high beam?

[I support common sense]

On my 99’ ranger when I switch from high to low or low to high it switches filaments to extend the beam. When I pull back it get twice as bright. I figured this is how bright it should be when the high beams are on. O know that is how it is on every other vehicle I drove. Is this correct or is it only designed for one filament at a time? I know they get very hot. I burned my hand once.

 

[pjtoledo]

one at a time.
both will burn up the wires/connectors/sockets/switch after a while.

well, with the "newer" stuff it's more likely relays than switches.

with standard bulbs.

 

[I support common sense]

Shoot, it’s really dim. After holding the dimmer switch, the way the lights shined it looked like that’s the way it was supposed to be with two filaments. Maybe if I got heavier wiring I could run both? I just don’t know if it will melt a hole in the housing.

 

[rubydist]

When you "flash" by pulling back on the turn signal handle, it lights both filaments. Otherwise, only one or the other is lit.

Regular incandescent and halogen bulbs get more dim with age, and also get more yellow with age. I suggest replacing bulbs.

 

[Uncle Gump]

I believe it's "flash to pass"

I'd second the notion of trying some new quality bulbs.

 

[Curious Hound]

Maybe if I got heavier wiring I could run both?

Don't run both simultaneously. It's too much heat. Put new bulbs in, maybe Silverstars or similar premium bulbs.

There is a mod you can do with a relay and a new power source from the battery with good heavy wire that will reduce voltage drop and brighten them some. Basically, run a new, fused circuit direct from the battery to a relay near the headlights. Use the existing headlight circuit to turn the relay on and off to send the new source to the headlights. By using 12 gauge wire and keeping it fairly short, that gives the filaments the very best, voltage possible instead of making the cirrent flow back into the cab, through the switch and then back out to the headlights.