Dash Lights out when headlight switch flipped

[outomyelement]

My dash lights work when the switch is in the 'parking' mode (2nd position, headlights off) but when I switch it into 3rd position (headlights on) the dash lights go out and the headlights go on. Normally, of course, the dash lights and headlights go on in 3rd position.

I've checked all the fuses, but they're all fine.

I've got the factory service electrical manual and I'm trying to figure out where the circuit could be bad. Could it be the switch that's bad? Are there 2 separate circuits after the switch to turn the dash lights on, or do is the same circuit for position 2 and 3?? Does that make sense??? I can't really tell from the schematic.

Thanks!

 

[Bryan22]

i'd take the switch out and take it apart if it's possible. sounds like that's where you're problem is.

 

[david_h_30170]

I have a 89 Ranger and it does the same thing. When in the headlight on position, the dash lights and tail lights will not burn. I can push the headlight switch in between the 2nd and 3rd position and everthing works. I have replaced ths headlight switch,the plug into the switch,checked the grounds and I can find the problem.Its been that this way for 10 or 12 years. Good luck with yours