headlight problems
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Freshman User
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headlight problems
I have a 1988 f150 and I have been having problems with the headlight switch. When I would try to turn the headlights the instrument panel lights wouldn't come on and the headlights did. I would have to move the switch around to get them to come on. Now the headlights wont even come on when I pull the switch. The tailights instrument panel lights and the front corner lights still come on but no headlights...? I checked fuses, bulbs, and looked at the wires. Any ideas? Did the switch go bad?
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Cleveland, TN
I have a 1988 f150 and I have been having problems with the headlight switch. When I would try to turn the headlights the instrument panel lights wouldn't come on and the headlights did. I would have to move the switch around to get them to come on. Now the headlights wont even come on when I pull the switch. The tailights instrument panel lights and the front corner lights still come on but no headlights...? I checked fuses, bulbs, and looked at the wires. Any ideas? Did the switch go bad?
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,442
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From: La Grande, OR
I have a 1988 f150 and I have been having problems with the headlight switch. When I would try to turn the headlights the instrument panel lights wouldn't come on and the headlights did. I would have to move the switch around to get them to come on. Now the headlights wont even come on when I pull the switch. The tailights instrument panel lights and the front corner lights still come on but no headlights...? I checked fuses, bulbs, and looked at the wires. Any ideas? Did the switch go bad?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 233
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From: Northren MN.
Same here, it's a cheap and easy fix. After you replace the switch, maybe you should look into doing a headlight mod. Just search for it on the i.d.i forum and they have some good explanations there. Basically what that would do is take most of the power that goes through your switch and with relays, your headlights draw power directly from your battery or alternator. That way you would burn up an other switch.
New User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4
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From: Hanover PA
Headlight
I have an 88 F250 --exact same thing happened to me -- had to pull switch and corner lights and dash wouldn't come on then push in a little and corner lights would go on and headlights off-- what a pain replaced switch and all is good now
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38
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From: Oak Grove Heights, AR
Might check the dimmer switch in the floor too, mine went bad and everything worked but my headlights. Would have to stomp on it a few times to get it to work and sometimes I would have only highs or lows then finally nothing.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Upstate NY
hello I don't mean to resurrect a dead posting but I have this same problem with my switch I'm very mechanically inclined but never worked with vehicle electronics but I need to get a new switch in asap, I do lots of driving after 9pm can anyone tell me how to remove the panel to get to that switch It looks like a 15mm bolt but I cant get a deep socket in there anyway
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