HELLP! PLZ Headlights out gotta drive kiddos tonite too!!

[wicky]

88 B2 XLT 2.9 manual... My head lights went out this evening. Parking lights, tail lights, brake lights, dash lights, turn signals worked. I got a new light switch, changed it. now no lights @ all, parking lights head lights,dash, tail lights are out! Now I need to drive my children tonite. H.E.L.P.!
ps Ido not have an owners manual or fuse box cover

[87 XLT]

The wiring diagram for my 87 -yours might be different- shows cigarette lighter, horn & headlghts are wired to the same fusible link. Did your horn & lighter also quit? If they did check the fuse link at the starter relay black/orange wire. If lighter & horn are working check fuse 4 which is wired to the headlight switch.

[wicky]

Did your horn & lighter also quit?=No

lighter & horn are working check fuse 4 which is wired to the headlight switch

At the fuse panel?
I've checked all fuses(colored plastic 1's)none are blown.

[dirtybroncoii]

I got a new light switch, changed it. now no lights @ all

Maybe you should check your light switch, make sure the plug is completely attached, or consider the switch maybe bad I have bought bad electronic components before

[wicky]

The connector to the switch is good'n tight.

I've been messing w/ it here's what I've got nown both switches new & old pull it all the way out nothin, push it in just a weee bit(between park & hed) I get the parking lights only. I still need to know what's up with the lights. light switch has now been rulled out. I need to also know where the light relay is located in the fuse block.

[dirtybroncoii]

Check your Fusible Links it should be a black 16 gauge wire (about 1/8" across) it is located on the back terminal of the starter relay

[wicky]

I have a multimeter, how do I go about testing it? Probe which wire where?

[dirtybroncoii]

on the headlight switch plug put one probe into terminal B1 connect the other leade to a ground, the wire going into terminal B1 should be black with a orange stripe on it. You should get 12v if not the fuse link is bad. A local parts store should have the correct link.

[wicky]

I checked the link @ the starter relay(wasn't hard to miss fuseable link rite on there,duh), got juice at bothends. Also checked voltage @ switch block got juice there too. This is what still puzzles me:

both switches new & old pull it all the way out nothin, push it in just a weee bit(between park & hed) I get the parking lights only. WTH?

[dirtybroncoii]

Well if you are getting voltage to the switch but none to the headlights then it must be the switch. Do you have a short piece of wire handy? try to bypass the switch and see if the lights come on that way the terminals you will have to jump will be B1 and H. H is a red and yellow wire if your lights come on than it is your switch

[wicky]

I'll giv'er a try. If that doesn't allow the lights come on, what would One suguest should be checked or tested next? The connections (+/-)to the Head lights themselves are good too.

[dirtybroncoii]

If your lights come on the switches are bad but if they don't come on then you might want to check if you are getting power to the light sockets.

[RR4E]

You're chasing the light switch, also check the dimmer switch as well. A broken wire, dirty connection, or a worn out dimmer switch will cause lights to go out as well.

[dirtybroncoii]

But he also said that he replaced the switch and the same thing was happening

[wicky]

First off thanks for all the quick replies
I'm getting voltage to the switch.
I used a jumper wire to B1 & H. No lights
The dimmer is built into the light switch.

If your lights come on, the switches are bad, but if they don't come on then you might want to check if you are getting power to the light sockets

Jump B1-H? then check voltage. Will do