Headlights won't work...
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Headlights won't work...
Hi all,
I've got a 98 F150, and my headlights will not work. I replaced the bulbs today, and still, no luck. If I hold the wiper handle towards me, like if I were flashing the brights.... they work... but only then. Even if I push the handle all the way forward, as if leaving my high beams on, the lights do not work.
Is it a fuse? I'm not the brightest car person, that's for sure... looked through my manual at what it says should be the fuses for those lights, and they both looked okay. Any suggestions?
Thanks, Scott
I've got a 98 F150, and my headlights will not work. I replaced the bulbs today, and still, no luck. If I hold the wiper handle towards me, like if I were flashing the brights.... they work... but only then. Even if I push the handle all the way forward, as if leaving my high beams on, the lights do not work.
Is it a fuse? I'm not the brightest car person, that's for sure... looked through my manual at what it says should be the fuses for those lights, and they both looked okay. Any suggestions?
Thanks, Scott
Posting Guru
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From: Panama City, Fl
Sounds like it may be in the multi function switch (wiper handle). It could be the light switch itself but I would bet on it being the multi function switch. Do the park/tail lights work with the light switch in either of the park or headlight position or in only one or neither position? If they work in both positions, I bet on the multifunction switch.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
I had a similar problem...mine was the multi-function switch. you can get the part for under 70 bucks at ford...and its a 10-15 minute job. its an easy job to do yourself...just a couple of screws and you plug in the wiring harness.
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park/tail lights work..
So I guess I should check the switch. Where is it located? Reason I ask, if it's a switch I can get from the mfg, I'd try to get it sampled. ( I work for a distributor that sells nothing but electronics, switches and relays included.) I'd hate to pay $70 for a $5 part. Unless it's an entire harness kit? Where do I look?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
the whole assembly (the multi function switch) is the actuall arm on the steering collumn inside the cab, which connects to switch that wraps around the collumn . its all one piece, that cannot be seperated. so the new part will be a single piece that you unscrew off the column and plug a wire harness into.
if the arm in the cab has any excess play in it... then it most definanlty the problem. you cant get an aftermarket switch so 70 dollars is the price of doing buisiness.
the mechanical parts in the arm wear out, it gets loose and the switch cannot stay in the position it needs to to keep the lights on.
if you can hold it in a certain position and get the lights to work...then its the problem
hope this helps...Mike
if the arm in the cab has any excess play in it... then it most definanlty the problem. you cant get an aftermarket switch so 70 dollars is the price of doing buisiness.
the mechanical parts in the arm wear out, it gets loose and the switch cannot stay in the position it needs to to keep the lights on.
if you can hold it in a certain position and get the lights to work...then its the problem
hope this helps...Mike
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Originally posted by MJEmerson
the whole assembly (the multi function switch) is the actuall arm on the steering collumn inside the cab, which connects to switch that wraps around the collumn . its all one piece, that cannot be seperated. so the new part will be a single piece that you unscrew off the column and plug a wire harness into.
if the arm in the cab has any excess play in it... then it most definanlty the problem. you cant get an aftermarket switch so 70 dollars is the price of doing buisiness.
the mechanical parts in the arm wear out, it gets loose and the switch cannot stay in the position it needs to to keep the lights on.
if you can hold it in a certain position and get the lights to work...then its the problem
hope this helps...Mike
the whole assembly (the multi function switch) is the actuall arm on the steering collumn inside the cab, which connects to switch that wraps around the collumn . its all one piece, that cannot be seperated. so the new part will be a single piece that you unscrew off the column and plug a wire harness into.
if the arm in the cab has any excess play in it... then it most definanlty the problem. you cant get an aftermarket switch so 70 dollars is the price of doing buisiness.
the mechanical parts in the arm wear out, it gets loose and the switch cannot stay in the position it needs to to keep the lights on.
if you can hold it in a certain position and get the lights to work...then its the problem
hope this helps...Mike
That really helps Mike, thank you very much.
That's exactly my problem then. I did screw with the arm a couple times last week, and in this certain posistion, the lights came on, but it didn't last long, obviously. I guess I'll head on over to the Ford dealer, or shop around for the afermarket switch. Just sucks, one of those things that can't wait, you know? Gotta have lights, and holding my highbeams on is a pain for me, and fellow motorists I'm sure.
Thanks again.
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From: Oklahoma
The multi-function switch is loacted in the steering column.
If you remove the dash cover over the steering column (pushed on with 4 clips, just pull straight out), remove the screws holding the top and bottom covers of steering column together and separate them. The switch is screwed onto the steering column assembly on the left side (the turn signal lever is actually built onto this switch)
Remove the screws, 2 wiring plugs on the switch, and there you have it!
I believe this is a Ford purchase only, Emerson is correct that it is around $70.
The swapout should only take about 30 to 45 minutes. Just remember to Disconnect the battery first...
Good Luck,
Tim
Edit: Looks like Emerson types faster than me....sorry
If you remove the dash cover over the steering column (pushed on with 4 clips, just pull straight out), remove the screws holding the top and bottom covers of steering column together and separate them. The switch is screwed onto the steering column assembly on the left side (the turn signal lever is actually built onto this switch)
Remove the screws, 2 wiring plugs on the switch, and there you have it!
I believe this is a Ford purchase only, Emerson is correct that it is around $70.
The swapout should only take about 30 to 45 minutes. Just remember to Disconnect the battery first...
Good Luck,
Tim
Edit: Looks like Emerson types faster than me....sorry
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
dakota is probably more accurate than my estimate on time to install....i always think I can get somethin done in five minutes...then sure enough the sun starts going down, and the girl friend is accusing me of spending all my time with my truck.
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Hey guys,
I called Ford today, the part is 98 bucks! Here's my real concern.... I wanted Ford's opinion on doing it myself, just to hear what they'd say. I was told they recommend they do it, because there's a spring that's tricky, and you're near the airbag, and "you don't want to mess around with that stuff..." are they just trying to get me to pay the $127 in labor they quoted me, or is it really something I can do on my own? Remember, saying I'm a novice mechanic is an understatement. I mean, I changed out the bulbs okay, but anything beyond that, I'm unsure!
Thanks...
I called Ford today, the part is 98 bucks! Here's my real concern.... I wanted Ford's opinion on doing it myself, just to hear what they'd say. I was told they recommend they do it, because there's a spring that's tricky, and you're near the airbag, and "you don't want to mess around with that stuff..." are they just trying to get me to pay the $127 in labor they quoted me, or is it really something I can do on my own? Remember, saying I'm a novice mechanic is an understatement. I mean, I changed out the bulbs okay, but anything beyond that, I'm unsure!
Thanks...
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From: Panama City, Fl
Go to your local parts house and buy a manual for around $25.00. Look up the job and see if you can handle it. The air bag is not messed with because the switch is below it. Use common sense and all should be fine. $127 in labor sounds like 2-2.5 hours. They do make it right though. Depends on your real ability and trust in your work.
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Originally posted by AzPete
Go to your local parts house and buy a manual for around $25.00. Look up the job and see if you can handle it. The air bag is not messed with because the switch is below it. Use common sense and all should be fine. $127 in labor sounds like 2-2.5 hours. They do make it right though. Depends on your real ability and trust in your work.
Go to your local parts house and buy a manual for around $25.00. Look up the job and see if you can handle it. The air bag is not messed with because the switch is below it. Use common sense and all should be fine. $127 in labor sounds like 2-2.5 hours. They do make it right though. Depends on your real ability and trust in your work.
Thanks Pete. If I have to trust in my work, when it comes to cars, maybe I should pony up the cash. At least I'll know it's done correctly.
To think, my dad restores classic cars for a living , and can basically do anything with a wrench in his hand. Why I didn't pick up on any of it is beyond me.
Thanks to everyone for their replies, I was at a loss to what the problem was.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
its almost a ford policy to say they should do it...when i did the job I never saw a spring or anything that could be messed up...If you can work a screwdriver you can do this job. If you are capable of operating the truck you can do this job. once you take the screws out of the column cover it will be so obvious what you need to do you will laugh. I never saw the airbag componants around their also. diconnect the battery and youll be fine. The dealer will always say the kind of stuff they said...they want the money, and they like to spread rumors that make this stuff sound more comlicated than it is. check another dealer for the part...they all have different pricing. they can adjust based on what they think they can get...just sound confident when you ask for the part...it helps a lot. The part can be gotten cheap b/c its used on a lot of years and models. Good Luck.
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 383
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From: Mililani, Hawaii
dont mean to sound like I am gonna punch your lights out for not doing yourself Scott...I am just very confident you can handle the task...just by asking for help and coming here you have proven you have the competency to get this done. who knows maybe the job will boost your confidence...baby steps...lol. But hey I am not beyond going to a mechanic either...its whatever you think you can handle. the above advice to get a manual was good. hope we have all been helpful. this is a good site to hang on even when your truck is runnin perfect. I learn new stuff all the time...so whatever you decide on the switch welcome aboard FTE any way.