Headlights/Parking lights
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Headlights/Parking lights
Need some advice here for what I thought was a simple problem! On my 82 Bronco I have a straight pull 2 postion light switch - first position (half way out) is parking/brake lights and second position (all the way out) is headlights & parking/brake lights. I recently noticed that at the first position I had no parking/brake lights and at the second position i had headlights ok but no parking/brake lights. However, if I eased the switch back in from the fully extended position there was a sweet spot where eveything would come on and function normally. After making sure all fuses were OK I replaced the light switch confident that that would fix the problem. Well new switch is in and the problem is still there. I am amazed that the problem was not in the switch - any ideas or checks that you would suggest before I take to an auto electric shop?
TMW
TMW
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Birmingham AL
Usually the first thing I do when I have odd problems with lights is to change out all the bulbs (front and rear). Does the emergency flasher work the lights OK?
1988 EB Bronco - 302 - AOD - 3.55 Limited Slip - Manual Hubs and Transfer Case - BFG 32/11.5 AT - 208,000 miles
1988 EB Bronco - 302 - AOD - 3.55 Limited Slip - Manual Hubs and Transfer Case - BFG 32/11.5 AT - 208,000 miles
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 15
That does sound impossible, doesn't it?
It's as if you took your old bad switch out, then put your old bad switch back in again
Is there a common element to both old and new switch that is position-related? Like reusing the original ****/shaft assembly? Any chance the shaft is not seating properly, or is worn where a detent ball rides, or something like that? I'm reaching here, but it seems there should be something common between the two that is causing the problem.
It's as if you took your old bad switch out, then put your old bad switch back in again
Is there a common element to both old and new switch that is position-related? Like reusing the original ****/shaft assembly? Any chance the shaft is not seating properly, or is worn where a detent ball rides, or something like that? I'm reaching here, but it seems there should be something common between the two that is causing the problem.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
i'd take that new switch out and put the ohm meter on the leads on the back of it and check for continuity between the leads with the switch in all the different positions. with the switch off you shouldn't get anything, and in the two on positions some of the other pins (you'll have to figure out the pin assignments) should read continuity. Good Luck!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Also check the connector for the wiring harness, it could have a loose or broken connection in one of the wires. or wire coming out of connector... etc...
Another weird thing that has happened to me before, check all the bulbs with a ohm meter. It could be (although unlikely) that one of the fillaments of the two fillament bulbs are touching each other, causing a short circut.
Also if none of that helps, check your wiring, especially at plugs, and at the back of the truck/bronco, where the wires run along the frame. A lot of problems due to rubbing are caused by rubbing.
hope this helps
Another weird thing that has happened to me before, check all the bulbs with a ohm meter. It could be (although unlikely) that one of the fillaments of the two fillament bulbs are touching each other, causing a short circut.
Also if none of that helps, check your wiring, especially at plugs, and at the back of the truck/bronco, where the wires run along the frame. A lot of problems due to rubbing are caused by rubbing.
hope this helps
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,023
Likes: 0
if worse comes to worse just get a painless kit and rewire your truck. I've never had to do it, but i've heard that they make it very easy. Sounds like overkill, but if you have a big problem, it's hard to find, it may be more than one thing, and who knows whats next in line to go out.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
92 Black Nite
Electrical Systems/Wiring
241
Jan 27, 2023 06:16 PM
LongRider
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Mar 5, 2012 09:14 PM
Savage Eagle
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Mar 7, 2011 11:44 AM
92 Black Nite
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Jan 25, 2010 10:05 AM
