Brights won't stay on

[rfl]

We have the steering column on a '93 Ranger opened up right now to replace the multi-function switch (MFS) and the ignition lock cylinder. The MFS was replaced because the brights would not stay on. More specifically, if you pulled the lever back the brights would come on, but if you pushed them forward they would not. Also, if the headlights are off and the brights switch is forward, the headlights come on (just the headlamps, not the marker lights).

Trying to get this thing back on the road - thinking it is not the MFS. Safe to say that? I want to get the column back together.

Thinking maybe the headlight switch itself is going bad? Is there a relay I am missing?

 

[adsm08]

Sounds to me like you are describing a properly operating "flash-to-pass" feature.

 

[rfl]

Sounds to me like you are describing a properly operating "flash-to-pass" feature.

Correct, except for the part where they do not come on if you push then all the way forward (where the lever would have them stay on), and that pushing them forward turns on the headlights (but not the park lights) even though the headlight switch is off.

Just replaced the headlight switch - no change

They did work correctly prior to the vehicle only being driven for 10 miles or so during the day over the last 8 months.

 

[adsm08]

I don't think the markers aren't supposed to come on with the flash to pass.

If it isn't staying in the locked position I would say you got a bad switch.

 

[rfl]

I don't think the markers aren't supposed to come on with the flash to pass.

If it isn't staying in the locked position I would say you got a bad switch.

hmmm, maybe I need to lay out the problem differently.

The bold portions are what is wrong

Proper operation with Headlight Switch OFF:
Headlights OFF, markers OFF
MFS in resting position, brights OFF, headlights OFF, markers OFF
MFS pulled back (must hold back), brights ON, markers OFF
MFS pushed forward, brights OFF, markers OFF

Proper operation with Headlight Switch ON:
Headlights ON, markers ON
MFS in resting position, brights OFF, markers ON, headlights ON
MFS pulled back (must hold back), brights ON, markers ON
MFS pushed forward, brights ON, markers ON

Now, what the vehicle is doing with the Headlight Switch OFF:
Headlights OFF, markers OFF
MFS in resting position, brights OFF, headlights OFF, markers OFF
MFS pulled back (must hold back), brights ON, markers OFF
MFS pushed forward, brights OFF, markers OFF, headlights ON

Now, what the vehicle is doing with the Headlight Switch ON:
Headlights ON, markers ON
MFS in resting position, brights OFF, markers ON, headlights ON
MFS pulled back (must hold back), brights ON, markers ON
MFS pushed forward, brights OFF, markers ON, headlights ON

 

[tinman_72]

Sounds like the relay to me. I had the same issue.

 

[rfl]

Sounds like the relay to me. I had the same issue.

any idea where it is? The truck does not have automatic lights - not finding anything that is labeled as a light relay.

 

[tinman_72]

I am sorry but I just re-read your last post and realized I misread it before. This doesn't necessarily sound like a relay issue. It sounds to me like you might have a short somewhere. Do any of the wires looks burnt/discolored? Take a close look at the wiring connectors, specifically the two gray plugs that go to the MFS and the one that goes to the light switch.

 

[rfl]

Still working on this. I traced every thing under the dash and in the column. None of the wires are fried. I did find the connectors are brittle, and most of the crimp connectors are not staying all the way in unless you push the wire on to the switch. Monkeyed with it long enough that I broke one of the crimps so now the turn signals don't work but NOW THE BRIGHTS WORK

Guessing one or more of the connectors are cracked where I cannot see it and causing a short, so I just ordered all three (light switch, both turn signal) connectors. I hope to replace them next weekend. Maybe someday I can get this thing inspected and registered again...

 

[Haywire6000]

Old connectors ( the metal parts) can get bent over time. On my try bending them back into place( closing the gap where the prongs go into the connector) It might be something that simple. Just don't bend them too much.

 

[rfl]

The new connectors arrived yesterday. Due to other events, namely deciding to pull the motor and trans, it may be a little while before I get them in. I will update the thread with the results.

 

[Ruffinit]

That's the first time I've ever seen an engine and tranny pulled to fix the headlights.. You go boy!!

 

[rfl]

That's the first time I've ever seen an engine and tranny pulled to fix the headlights.. You go boy!!

tell me about. Total can of worms. Funny how I trusted the truck enough to make it on long trips to all parts of the state at the drop of a hat, but now that I gave it to my son I am compelled to go through everything.