high beams-yes low beams -no ??

[sgtsandman]

I don't mean to hijack your thread but I'm having the opposite problem on my '88 XLT, headlights work, just no high beams. Turn signals work fine but when I hit the high beams the lights go out, the high beam indicator in the dash doesn't even light up so I don't think it's the bulbs so I'm guessing the switch.

My guess would be the multifunction switch in the steering column that controls the wipers, hazard lights, turn signals, and high beams. Usually, if there is a problem, it’s that switch. Before just assuming and throwing parts at it, check the fuses, that the prongs on the lights aren’t dirty or corroded, and that sockets for the lights are properly seated. I seem to remember there being more than one fuse for the high and low beams but I may be thinking of the wrong vehicle. If the fuse is blown, check the wiring to find out why the fuse blew. It could be chaffing on the harness that has caused corrosion or contact with the chassis. Also, while a rare thing, don’t rule out both high beam filaments blowing at the same time. Make sure there is power to the high beams as well. Again, before throwing parts at it and spending money that didn’t need to be spent.

 

[rosscob]

Thanks. My '88 has two switches on the column, one for turn signal and headlight dimmer and one for the wiper controls. I thing I'll pull the shroud off the column today and check the connection before I do anything else.

 

[sgtsandman]

Thanks. My '88 has two switches on the column, one for turn signal and headlight dimmer and one for the wiper controls. I thing I'll pull the shroud off the column today and check the connection before I do anything else.

When I was on my phone earlier, it won't let me see whatever vehicle data put up. The rest of the troubleshooting outside of the multifunction switch should still apply.

 

[tinman_72]

The headlights on my 93 did the exact same thing. Everyone told me it was definitely the multifunction switch. I replaced it and had the same issue. It turned out to be the relay in the engine bay.