Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Low Beam problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 26, 2015 | 01:49 PM
  #1  
44vulcan's Avatar
44vulcan
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Tx
Low Beam problem

Truck info: 1993 F150 XL I6 4.9L 2wd E4OD

When I bought the truck the low beam never worked. The OP told me the bulbs were burnt out, which was a lie again. Ever since I've been driving with only high beam, re-angled to work as a low beam. Two weeks ago I bought new headlights with new bulbs and it still wasn't working. I checked all fuses and they where intact.
I tested the switch using this procedure
Part 1 -How to Test the Ford Headlight Switch
I was only able to turn the high beams on by jumping 'B1' and 'H'
Which of these pins are for low beam?
Questions:
Does the low beam run through the main headlight switch?
If so how can i test the low beam headlight circuit?


Happy thanksgiving ya
 
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2015 | 02:50 PM
  #2  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

It would help to know what year and model the truck is.
 
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2015 | 03:45 PM
  #3  
44vulcan's Avatar
44vulcan
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Tx
There you go.
 
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2015 | 04:03 PM
  #4  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

Okay, so it's a '93 150.

I'm not so well versed in multifunction switch troubleshooting but I believe the 'flash to pass' operates both high and low filaments.
Maybe someone can hold the arm back while you check if both light up?

At least you could narrow it down to that component.
 
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2015 | 07:41 PM
  #5  
DaMonsterMonster's Avatar
DaMonsterMonster
New User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
So do your high beams come on instead of the low beams when the switch is in the low beam position? This is what mine is doing. But if I switch it to what should be high beams the low beams kick on and the drivers side isn't very bright. Also the high beam indicator is on whether the switch is in the high or low position.
 
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2015 | 10:43 PM
  #6  
44vulcan's Avatar
44vulcan
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Tx
Observations:
*When the headlight switch is on the mid-setting. The running lambs turn on but not the low beam.

*When I fully extend the headlight switch (All the way pulled out), the high beams turn on.
Questions:
Where can i find the 'flash-to-pass' switch/button?

Tomorrow I'll whip out my trusty multi-meter and see what I can find.
 
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2015 | 10:48 PM
  #7  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

You are missing how these operate.
Everything you observe is normal operation.

The multiswitch is the turn signal stalk.
Foward is high beam, pull it back for FTP.
Release and it defaults to low beam.
Right?
 
Reply
Old Nov 26, 2015 | 11:10 PM
  #8  
blue924.9's Avatar
blue924.9
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,555
Likes: 1
Ok, try something here cuz I think mine does the same thing. Pull the round headlight switch all the way out, then push it back in just a little bit, you should find a spot where the headlights work as do the driving lights and interior lights. On my truck the **** has 3 clicks, 1st does nothing, second is parking lights third gets me headlights only, if I go third and push in a little I bet all the lights like I should. This sounds to me like the problem you are having as my brights come on even without the headlight **** in the correct spot yet my low beams won't
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Nov 26, 2015 | 11:29 PM
  #9  
44vulcan's Avatar
44vulcan
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Tx
Originally Posted by ArdWrknTrk
You are missing how these operate.
Everything you observe is normal operation.

The multiswitch is the turn signal stalk.
Foward is high beam, pull it back for PTP.
Release and it defaults to low beam.
Right?
Oh okay i'll try that out tomorrow and report back.
 
Reply
Old Nov 27, 2015 | 06:58 AM
  #10  
tjc transport's Avatar
tjc transport
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,569
Likes: 5,606
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
Club FTE Gold Member
it sounds like your multifunction switch is bad.
 
Reply
Old Nov 27, 2015 | 09:19 AM
  #11  
44vulcan's Avatar
44vulcan
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Tx
Just went checked it out. I guess it was user error. I didn't know the multi-switch controls the low beams. Wow I feel dumb now haha.
Thanks
 
Reply
Old Nov 27, 2015 | 11:23 AM
  #12  
tjc transport's Avatar
tjc transport
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,569
Likes: 5,606
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
Club FTE Gold Member
not to worry!!!, at least it did not cost you any money, just a little embarrassment.
 
Reply
Old Nov 27, 2015 | 11:57 AM
  #13  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

Yeah, I'm just glad you've figured it out and it was free.
 
Reply
Old Nov 27, 2015 | 12:11 PM
  #14  
bashby's Avatar
bashby
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
How many similar threads about thw floor dimmer switch o n pre 92 trucks have we seen?
Headlight switch halfway out is parking lights only and all the way out is headlights as you
already know. Ifvyou rotate it all the way left it turns the dome light on and
to the right dims your dash lights also.
 
Reply
Old Nov 27, 2015 | 04:37 PM
  #15  
ArdWrknTrk's Avatar
ArdWrknTrk
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Club FTE Silver Member

... Hazards halfway out and you won't have turn signals.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DeadFife
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
10
Apr 28, 2017 07:12 PM
jnmescape2010
Escape & Escape Hybrid
1
Dec 23, 2014 07:26 AM
BIGskinny
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
20
Jun 5, 2011 01:57 PM
Brians
Aerostar
10
Feb 7, 2007 03:04 PM
Dj300ford
Aerostar
9
Dec 13, 2003 02:17 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:06 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE