Chevrolet Repair: Dim headlights, 1990 cavalier z24, wiring connections

Question
1990 Cavalier Z24, 212k miles, 3.1, auto.

Hi Van, a headlight question.  

The car's headlights seem to be dim.  I'm going to put new bulbs in ASAP.... they haven't been changed in the 6 years / 80k miles that I've ownded the car.  But I was wondering if there could be other things like wiring connections to check as well.  The battery is fully charged, and the alternator is 2 years old but hasn't been checked.

Any other ideas would be appreciated along with specific places to check.

Thanks.

Brian Denis

Answer
Hello Brian,
I would measure the voltage at the headlight. You want a good full 12 volts. If it is lower than that, wire connections would be what I would suspect. Since it is both sides, I would go to the switch, or the plug through the firewall. Somewhere where there is a common connection.
The dimmer switch needs to be checked also.
If you turn them on and leave them on for a few minutes, the connection that is bad may very well feel warm or hot to the touch.

Van