1996 Ranger headlight problem
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From: North Wales, PA
1996 Ranger headlight problem
Hi,
The problem I am having is that the headlights no longer come on. The highbeams only come on when I pull the turn signal towards me. The highbeams won't come on when I try to turn them on by pushing on the turn signal. I am thinking that my problem is the multi-function switch. Any advice would be appreciated. I would also like to know if there are any detailed step by step instructions for changing this or should I let a mechanic do it?
Thanks,
Paul
The problem I am having is that the headlights no longer come on. The highbeams only come on when I pull the turn signal towards me. The highbeams won't come on when I try to turn them on by pushing on the turn signal. I am thinking that my problem is the multi-function switch. Any advice would be appreciated. I would also like to know if there are any detailed step by step instructions for changing this or should I let a mechanic do it?
Thanks,
Paul
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From: Homer, Alaska
My first guess is the multi-function switch, which is pretty easy to replace. There are several fuses in the system, and I would check them all before changing switches. It could also be the headlight switch. If you are good with a voltmeter, it should be fairly simple to trace the voltage. Otherwise, check fuses, and decide if it is something you want to tackle. Keep us posted.
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From: North Wales, PA
re:1996 Ranger headlight problem
Hi hreed,
I have looked over the wiring diagram but have not checked anything with the VOM. I was looking for directions to get at the headlight switch and the multifunction switch. I did go to autozone.com and they had directions regarding the headlight switch but it only stated 'remove the instrument panel finish panel' and I have never done this before so I was looking for the steps to do this. I have found nothing regarding the multifunction switch. I think that it is in the steering column but I would like to get the how to steps from someone who had done this before.
Thanks for your reply. I will update the thread with my progress.
Paul
I have looked over the wiring diagram but have not checked anything with the VOM. I was looking for directions to get at the headlight switch and the multifunction switch. I did go to autozone.com and they had directions regarding the headlight switch but it only stated 'remove the instrument panel finish panel' and I have never done this before so I was looking for the steps to do this. I have found nothing regarding the multifunction switch. I think that it is in the steering column but I would like to get the how to steps from someone who had done this before.
Thanks for your reply. I will update the thread with my progress.
Paul
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From: Homer, Alaska
It is probably the multi function switch, which also controls the turn signals and the wipers. I bought one from the dealer here in Alaska last year and it was $50, so it should be about half that much in America. I don't remember if there are torx screws involved, but I think they are all phillips. Remove the steering wheel column covers (top and bottom) and you can get to the switch. 2 screws hold it on. Pull it off, remove the electrical plug (seems like about 8 wires), plug the connector into the new switch, and put it all back together. The manual says to disconnect the battery because of the air bag, and that is probably good advice, however I didn't, and had no problems. It's an easy job, and not worth taking to a shop unless you feel uncomfortable. Good luck and keep us posted.
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Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Vancouver Island, British
I had the same problem last year, except I had no high-beams at all. After going down to one of the parts places for a chat, I was told it was the head-light switch. It took me over an hour to get the entire dash-board off so I could get access to this one small part. (Ford sure makes it difficult to do some simple jobs!) I replaced it and still no headlights! I was ****ed because it was a $30 part and they wouldn't do exchanges on electronic parts. 
A friend of a friend tried tracing the wires under the hood to see if there was a problem with the wiring, but no such luck.
After this I went to the local junkyard, and was told it was the multi-function switch. At that point I was frustrated and didn't want to touch any more electronic stuff, so I basically told the mechanic there to take care of the problem, even though he told me multi-function switch was simple to replace.
It was: After disconnecting the negative battery terminal, he just took out two screws in the stearing column, removed the cover and removed the switch from its place next to the turn signal lever.
However, it sounds like your problem will be easier to fix than mine!
Charlotte
A friend of a friend tried tracing the wires under the hood to see if there was a problem with the wiring, but no such luck.After this I went to the local junkyard, and was told it was the multi-function switch. At that point I was frustrated and didn't want to touch any more electronic stuff, so I basically told the mechanic there to take care of the problem, even though he told me multi-function switch was simple to replace.
It was: After disconnecting the negative battery terminal, he just took out two screws in the stearing column, removed the cover and removed the switch from its place next to the turn signal lever.
However, it sounds like your problem will be easier to fix than mine!
Charlotte
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From: North Wales, PA
It's Fixed!!!
Hi Hreed and Charlotte,
I picked up the multi-function switch yesterday morning from the local Ford dealer. They charged my about 60 bucks. Took me less than 15 minutes this morning to put it in and the problem is fixed! Thanks for all your tips and support!
Paul
I picked up the multi-function switch yesterday morning from the local Ford dealer. They charged my about 60 bucks. Took me less than 15 minutes this morning to put it in and the problem is fixed! Thanks for all your tips and support!
Paul
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