Bad Headlight Switch, or stomp switch?
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Iron, MN
Bad Headlight Switch, or stomp switch?
Hello, I've got an '86 F250... I started my truck at 6am this morning when it was pitch black, pulled the headlight switch, and my headlights did not come on. Everything BUT the headlights did however. The Tail-lights, and various marker lights all lit up. If I step on the stomp-switch, the headlights DO come on, but will only be on in Bright mode. I don't have a wiring diagram, so I'm not sure if the power just goes to the stomp switch and is sorted out there, and sent to the headlights, or if it feeds back to the main headlight switch. Any input on this? Thanks!
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lost
If you only have high beams, then you either have a faulty dimmer (stomp) switch, faulty wiring, or both low beams are burned out. It's rare that both low beams burn out at the same time, but it has happened occasionally.
Get a test light, check for power at the headlights on the low beam side. If power is getting there, replace the bulbs. If power isn't getting there, trace back towards the dimmer switch. If no power is coming from the dimmer, replace it.
Get a test light, check for power at the headlights on the low beam side. If power is getting there, replace the bulbs. If power isn't getting there, trace back towards the dimmer switch. If no power is coming from the dimmer, replace it.
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From: Iron, MN
I had a spare bulb laying around, and I had tried hooking it up, no dice. Was one of the first things I did though :P I doubt my wiring went anywhere overnight, so I'll take a look at the stomp switch first. I had fiddled with that the day before. Thanks for saving me some time pulling my dash appart to check connections at my headlight switch 
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
Most likely the dimmer switch or the wiring to the low beam is damaged.
There is only one wire from the headlamp switch to the dimmer switch.
From the dimmer switch to the headlights it powers either low beam or hi-beam.
If you got high beams, it's not the headlight switch.
The dimmer switch and wiring at the floor area is prone to water damage. (wet feet)
There is only one wire from the headlamp switch to the dimmer switch.
From the dimmer switch to the headlights it powers either low beam or hi-beam.
If you got high beams, it's not the headlight switch.
The dimmer switch and wiring at the floor area is prone to water damage. (wet feet)
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Senior User
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From: Iron, MN
Really? That's the term I've always heard it as :P I knew the correct term was dimmer switch, but most people around here go "Huh?" unless you call it a stomp switch... maybe it's just the old-timers though. :P
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Iron, MN
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
I asked you to finish filling out your Profile. 
All the stuff that's publicly-viewable is in the third pane.
The second field - Location - will be shown in the top-right corner of each of your posts.
All the stuff that's publicly-viewable is in the third pane.
The second field - Location - will be shown in the top-right corner of each of your posts.
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Senior User
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From: Iron, MN
Haha, I'm not complaining. I'm happy to do it, just making fun is all... As for smog compliance... No such thing in Minnesota. 'least not up here.
Laughing Gas
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From: Georgia
Could be a regional thing, like bag, sack, poke, etc.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lost
Most younger folks have no clue how to dim/bright the lights on older vehicles. Me, I have trouble getting my foot up by the steering wheel.........