Problem: Headlights turn off spontaneously!
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New User
Joined: Jan 2005
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Problem: Headlights turn off spontaneously!
I've got a 1994 Ranger 3.0L 4x4.
My headlights have started switching off completely at dangerous times on icy roads.
The problem usually happens when I switch from hi beam to low beam (ie, oncoming car)
The headlights will occasionally quit suddenly without me doing anything.
The problem is generaly uncommon and hard to reproduce, but has been becoming more frequent lately.
The running lights (orange) remain on when the lights quit.
The best way to restart the headlights seems to be to turn the main headlight switch on and off repeatedly.
My question is: what's at fault-- the main light switch, the multifunction switch, loose wires, a sticky relay? (Haynes says there are no relays, but I'm not satisfied with their wiring diagram)
Can anyone help me out?
Thanks!
My headlights have started switching off completely at dangerous times on icy roads.
The problem usually happens when I switch from hi beam to low beam (ie, oncoming car)
The headlights will occasionally quit suddenly without me doing anything.
The problem is generaly uncommon and hard to reproduce, but has been becoming more frequent lately.
The running lights (orange) remain on when the lights quit.
The best way to restart the headlights seems to be to turn the main headlight switch on and off repeatedly.
My question is: what's at fault-- the main light switch, the multifunction switch, loose wires, a sticky relay? (Haynes says there are no relays, but I'm not satisfied with their wiring diagram)
Can anyone help me out?
Thanks!
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 44
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Often there is a circuit breaker built into a headlight switch. They reset themselves when allowed to cool and will often trip at a lower than expected current when old. I don,t have a wiring diagram for a late truck to check to be sure . Have you added any higher wattage bulbs?
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27
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I have a similar problem but my lights flash and flicker. the other day my high beam light came on in the dash after i shut the car and headlights off, when i walked around to the front of my car i noticed the headlights flickering on and off, this with the truck off and headlights off, i cant figure it out, oh ya, i drive a 93 xlt
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 482
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From: Colorado
Ok I have a 94 ranger and i have had to change the headlight switch out twice in 180,000 miles. once about 80k and again at 120k
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New User
Joined: Nov 2004
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I had a similar problem with mine.....like you said.....check for loose wires on the headlight switch.
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I have a 94 F150 that had the same problem. I put a a remote starter into it about 5 years ago. The starter at one point short-circuited, so I disconnected it and thought nothing of it. It turns out that when it shotred, it back-fed the parking light circuit and melted the headlight switch and the connector that attaches to it. Fortunately Ford has been using the same switch and connector for at last 10 years and I had a donor vehicle in the yard. Pull the headlight switch out and try to wiggle the metal contacts. Chances are one is loose and it won't hold continuity with a meter.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 195
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From: wisconsin
I don't know if it will be the same for the newer model rangers but I had the same problem with the headlights in my '88 ranger. Thinking it was an electrical short somewhere I tore the wiring harness apart and started tracing wires. I eventually found that the both of the plastic connecters that plug into the headlight switch and the turn signal switch had started to melt causing loose wires. After talking to a guy at ford I find out that this is a common occurance and so I just replaced the clips and havent had a problem since.
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