High beam malfunction
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High beam malfunction
I have a 1995 ranger four letre 5sp, dubbed Beula. I bought her recently for an extreme bargain, $650. I figured there'd be a few gremlins and there was and is, which I know to be more common than not in older trucks. The top priority is figuring out why when I push the lever for the high beams forward, the headlights cut out completely, whether in gear or not, and I don't know where to begin troubleshooting. I've surfed around the forums looking for answers and really only found conjecture. Any thoughts?
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Joined: Nov 2013
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Get out the multimeter or test light and start checking for voltage. Start at the load (the bulbs) and work your way back to the source. Although the fuse (#33) would be the first place I would look; it's easy enough to check and will help narrow down where the problem is.
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: SoCal
Thanks to exranger06 posting the diagram this is a very easy one to figure out.
If flash to pass works but high beams dont what could the problem be??
Hint take a look at the dimmer switch portion of the wiring diagram.
If flash to pass works but high beams dont what could the problem be??
Hint take a look at the dimmer switch portion of the wiring diagram.
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From: SoCal
As you can see from looking at the dimmer switch in the diagram the only difference between the working flash to pass & the not working high beams is in the dimmer switch.
Since you dont mention flash to pass, i'm guessing that it is working, is it? If it is the problem is in the dimmer switch. Ford calls it the MFS/multifunction switch.
Since you dont mention flash to pass, i'm guessing that it is working, is it? If it is the problem is in the dimmer switch. Ford calls it the MFS/multifunction switch.
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Thanks for all the info. I'm very good with the mechanical side of things, not so much electrical without a schematic, so thank you for that. I, of course have checked the fuse, it's fine. The dimmer switch makes sense as the panel lights don't work either, I wonder what the resistance is as I should be able to use a varistor or a pot to replace it and just put it in an inconspicuous place. Thoughts?
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From the best I can tell, all the fuses are fine. I suppose I can do some internet searching and find the dimmer switch specs, and try a quick fix for now until I find my parts donor. I'm good with electrical work so long as I have a schematic, which I have now. I'll try it out and let you all know what happens.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Tucson USA
I had an issue with the lights not coming on and solved it by getting a new switch from autozone. I am talking about the turn signal headlight switch on the steering wheel. now have no issues.
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See, the low beams are fine, it's the high beams being the issue. Unfortunately I've been in meetings this week all day and haven't been able to troubleshoot further...I'm pretty handy with fixing things, and chances are I can fix what needs fixing without having to buy a part, short of injection moulding, I can repair about anything.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: SoCal
BTW, and i should have thought of this earlier is the high beam indicator coming on?