Headlights aren't coming on
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Valparaiso, Indiana
Headlights aren't coming on
I have a weird problem with my truck...when I try to turn on my headlights the headlights won't come on and only the parking lights stay on...but when sometimes when I click the brights on and off then the headlights suddenly come on...but last night I couldn't get the headlights to come on at all even trying to click the brights...just the parking lights show...before while I was driving the lights (when they actually worked) would flicker off sometimes when I hit a bump or something...people in front of me thought I was flashing them
so is that headlight switch bad? i see in the repair manual how to replace that assembly...but is that my problem or is it elsewhere? thanks
so is that headlight switch bad? i see in the repair manual how to replace that assembly...but is that my problem or is it elsewhere? thanks
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Harrisburg USA
Can you locate your dimmer switch (brights)?? That could be your problem too. Before you attempt to replace the headlight switch assembly, check to see if power is getting to the dimmer switch. If power IS getting to the dimmer switch, but the headlights are still not on, THEN, check to see if current is coming OUT OF the dimmer switch. If not, the dimmer needs replaced. If yes, then the problem is somewhere between your dimmer and your headlights.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
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From: SoCal
Sounds like you might have a bad multifunction switch. Check with Autozone & see if your 88 uses the same switch as my 87. If it does, you can test the switch with an ohm meter,very simple. With the lights on high beam you should see continuity between terminals 15 & 12. Low beams are wired to 15 & 13. This is how it is on my 87 anyway. The "electrical & vacuum trouble-shooting manual" for my 87 has a picture of the location of these terminals. Not sure if they are marked on the switch or not.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Valparaiso, Indiana
i just checked the fuse panel...in the slot where it shows headlight switch, radio, etc. there was a 10-amp fuse in there and there's supposed to be a 15...so i switched that out...
also i am trying to remove the headlight switch and i don't understand how to remove it...in the manual it says to use a pair of needle nose pliers to remove a retaining nut inside the hole supporting the shaft...heh? inside there it's completely round, not a nut, and i cant seem to turn it...any advice?
also i am trying to remove the headlight switch and i don't understand how to remove it...in the manual it says to use a pair of needle nose pliers to remove a retaining nut inside the hole supporting the shaft...heh? inside there it's completely round, not a nut, and i cant seem to turn it...any advice?
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
I have no idea how to remove that screw. Sounds like you are at the point where you could remove the electrical connector from the switch & test it with an ohm meter. If thats the case test it. If it tests good, you wont have to worry about how to remove it. BTW, i'm talking about the multifunction switch in the steering column. Is that the switch that you are working on????
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Valparaiso, Indiana
no the switch i was working on was in the dash on the left of the steering column that is for the headlights (low beams) and it's a dimmer also for the interior lights...the brights are controlled by pressing in on the turn signal arm on the steering column...
supposedly there's a retaining nut inside the shaft on that headlight switch in the dash...but all i see is a round metal circle that won't budge...weird...how do you get access to the multifunction switch on the steering column???
it's just weird because sometimes when i pulled out the headlight switch to turn the low beams on...and they wouldn't turn on...i would click the brights and then suddenly i would have lights...but it doesn't want to do that anymore...i have no lights at all...just parking lights (even when i have the headlight switch pulled out completely as if i was using low beams) the parking lights are still on but no low beams!!!
supposedly there's a retaining nut inside the shaft on that headlight switch in the dash...but all i see is a round metal circle that won't budge...weird...how do you get access to the multifunction switch on the steering column???
it's just weird because sometimes when i pulled out the headlight switch to turn the low beams on...and they wouldn't turn on...i would click the brights and then suddenly i would have lights...but it doesn't want to do that anymore...i have no lights at all...just parking lights (even when i have the headlight switch pulled out completely as if i was using low beams) the parking lights are still on but no low beams!!!
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: SoCal
The turn signal lever is attached to the multifunction switch. "I would click the brights and then suddenly I would have lights". Thats why it sounds like the multifunction switch is "probably" the problem the problem. Your Haynes manual will tell you how to remove it.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Valparaiso, Indiana
well i removed the headlight switch and swapped that out with a new one first...still no lights
took back the headlight switch and took out the dimmer switch in the steering column...it was pretty easy to take out...i had to order it from advance autoparts so it should be in tomorrow...so it has to be that right? there's nothing else that controls the lights besides the wiring itself and i checked the wiring and it all looks good to me...we'll see tomorrow i guess
took back the headlight switch and took out the dimmer switch in the steering column...it was pretty easy to take out...i had to order it from advance autoparts so it should be in tomorrow...so it has to be that right? there's nothing else that controls the lights besides the wiring itself and i checked the wiring and it all looks good to me...we'll see tomorrow i guess
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 126
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From: Valparaiso, Indiana
well guys it was indeed the multifunction/dimmer switch in the steering column...now i have headlights and brights again...thanks to all who helped me out...i appreciate it
