Both headlights went out at once, it's NOT the multi function switch, what could it b

[Pronto285]

Pretty much the title says it all. 1998 2.5 ranger, headlights both went out, high beams work if I hold em back. Wasn't the MFS, dropped 80 bucks for one. Where and how should I check for the cause?

 

[tomw]

If you have relays for the different settings, one could have failed, and there's no power to the low beam filament. Check for the number of contacts if you have headlight relays. Five contact relays are generally NC on one terminal, NO on the other, leading to the NC being low beam, and NO being for high. I do NOT know that is the case for fact, just that relays are built that way.
Check the power distribution box for power to the headlight relays. It SHOULD be powered on the 'power' feed, (the switch side of the relay), at all times. If not, check for damage to the box/wiring, etc.
tom

 

[RonD]

Fuse 12 in engine fuse box powers both low and high beams

Main light switch only powers low beams, yes power goes thru multi-function switch
High beam power goes directly to multi-function switch

Each head light has its own fuse located after multi-function switch
In cab fuse box, #4 and #8

Battery-----fuse 12-------main light switch-------multi-function switch------fuse 4-----Left headlight Low beam--------Ground