Help with 1g headlight/dash problem

[MattUnderwood]

So for the past few months(I really don't know how long) my drivers side headlight has been low, and after I replaced the bulb it is still low. So after trying to figure out how to understand a wiring diagram for the past few days, I've decided to come here and ask for help. The first problem is this: Like I stated previously the driver side headlight is dim, even when its high beam or low beam. Its at least 3/4 of the way duller than the passenger side(which works perfect). I messed around with it tonight and the back connectors to the light were plugged in snug. The thing that confuses me is on the bottom lights(where the corners and everything else is) lights up from the corner and the part right beside the corner, where its clear lights up as well. I feel like the clear section right beside the corner is draining the power from the headlight. If I need to I can upload a picture.) On the passenger side(where the headlights look perfect) the clear section right past the orange corner doesn't light up.
Now for my second issue: My speedometer light is dull on the left side from like 60 mph all the way down. The right side is completely fine. Now the weird thing that confuses me is my tach and everything else in the dash cluster is the normal brightness. At first I was thinking it was because my aftermarket Boost Gauge is on the left, but now I'm starting to think other.
So if anyone can give me any advice on to where I should look. Please note that I am a complete idiot when it comes to wiring and grounds etc. So I also figured this would be a good time to start to learn. I tried looking at it tonight and I wasn't able to figure out where the fuse is for the headlight, or where the left headlight's ground is or if it has one. So if anyone can help me so I can figure out and maybe be able to see at night. I've also looked the previous topics and nothing seemed to help. If this is in the wrong section, I'm sorry and please feel free to move it. Thanks guys

Anyone have any advice?

 

[Grant]

first thing... invest in a voltmeter your instrument lights are completely independent of your headlights.... they have little tiny bulbs stuck in the back of the instrument cluster, and they can die when they age... so hence a lack of proper illumination. For you headlight, i would unplug the bulb, and check the connections, the haynes manual will tell u which prong is power, ground, etc.... with both headlights turned on, and compare the readings you get.... If you have a lower voltage, current, on the dimmer side, then you have to start tracing back the wiring..... it sucks, but i had to got through and test all my sensors, dig down completly into the wiring, just to find that a main connection had simply been taped together, without any solder, etc..... , and that was for my main fuel relay, so the car had no chance of running....

best advice, take your time.... do your best to understand what your working with, and be thorough......... old cars and crappy wiring

good luck!