Headlights don't come on in On position

[el_fish]

I have a 1998 Mazda B2500 Regular cab (4cyl, manual), and this morning my headlights did not illuminate when the headlight switch was fully in the on position.

I flipped the washer/flasher/hibeam switch to hi-beams and did not get any change, but when I pull the switch back for the momentary hibeams, I do get the lights to illuminate.

My rear lights and flashers work fine. My dome light stays on but thats a fix I've already read about handling.

I checked Fuses 4 and 8 per the manual and verified they are the right size, and they did not appear to have any visual defects.

I do not own a multimeter or any other electrical testing device.

My truck has 180k miles.

After reading through some threads, I suspect its either the multi-switch on the steering column, or the headlight switch on the dash.. but I have no Hayes manual or anything of the ilk to even know where to begin with trying to fix it myself. If at the least, I'd rather be armed with knowledge before heading to a mechanic.

I appreciate any direction/suggestion/recommendation of a good mechanic near eastern Louisville, KY.

 

[Harris]

If your blinkers and headlight flashing switch on the steering column work then it simply means your main headlight switch is messed up. You gave quite a bit of useful information, but do your running lights work when you turn the switch that one click? Do your dash lights work when you turn the switch on? The reason your high-beams work when you pull the turn signal switch towards you is because that circuit is independent from the headlight switch.

Anyway, a new switch is pretty cheap and easy to install. I think the only tool you will need, no kidding, is a medium sized Phillip's head screwdriver.

Your new switch will look like this:
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=GPS&MfrPartNumber=LS807&PartType=408&PTSet=A

At $15 bucks you can save enough money to buy a Chilton's manual.

 

[el_fish]

Yes, my running lamps work, and if I switch all the way to the Headlight position, thats all that comes on (well, dashlights too).

I've got the dial version rather than the pull-style switch.

 

[93 ranger guy]

93 ranger doing the same thing

Hello,

Anyone got more information on this thread. I've got a 93 Ranger doing exactly the same thing. I replaced the headlight switch (thought that would do it) but still no headlights.

• Running lights work
• Turn signals/flashers work
• Rear lights work
• Interior lights work
• Dashboard lights work
• Dashboard rheostat bright and dim works
• Momentary high beam works

Basically, I get brights only when I pull on the bright/passing switch on the control wheel. As soon as I release, the lights go out. The lights have been acting up for about a week, but they would turn on when I engaged the wipers. Thinking it might be a grounding issue but I can't find any loose wires.

Thanks

 

[93 ranger guy]

that did it

Just like everyone else said...Its the Multi-Function Switch.

Took about 10 minutes to replace and the headlights are back!

 

[gbadgley]

Back the bus up a little. Do you have power to the switch? I believe there is a 20a Maxi fuse in the box under the hood that feeds the headlights. I would spend a couple of bucks on a test light before spending money on switches. Greg

 

[Nick]

i would get out my test light first then go from there. When my switch burned out it smelled like wet cigars and was all melted.