High Beams work, Low beams don't, But . .

Question

So I have a 1986 Lincoln Continental. The issue is that for a while my low beams worked. Then one of my low beams went out, about a week later my other low beam stopped working.

Now here is the kicker, the High beams work, and when the High beams are on - so do the low beams.

I know this question has been asked a few times, but since my vehicle is of such age I cannot find good, layman documentation. I come from owning a 2001 Pontiac so this is all very foreign to me. If someone could help me figure out this issue that'd be awesome. I don't want to spend money on headlights just to have that not be the issue.

Answer 1

Your headlights are a four headlight system. These are sealed beam headlights. Two of the bulbs are strictly for high-beam use (inside bulbs). Two of the headlights function for both hi/low beams (outside bulbs).

In each of the hi/low bulbs, there are two separate filaments which work for either of the modes.

What is going on with your headlights is the two low-beam filaments have failed. The two hi-beam filaments are still working.

Get new bulbs for the two outside positions and you should be golden.