Headlights switching off.

[johnmillward]

My son's 1994 ranger's headlights keep shutting off especially when the high beams are turned on. In order to get the headlights back he has to turn off the headlight switch for a few seconds and then turn them back on. I was thinking it might be a bad relay but have not found that it has one. Is there a relay for the headlights or could it be just a bad switch?

 

[The_Epsicle]

My son's 1994 ranger's headlights keep shutting off especially when the high beams are turned on. In order to get the headlights back he has to turn off the headlight switch for a few seconds and then turn them back on. I was thinking it might be a bad relay but have not found that it has one. Is there a relay for the headlights or could it be just a bad switch?

I think the headlight switch is at fault, but check the fuse first. There is a second fuse box in the cab underneath by the pedals on the drivers side. I'm not sure if there is a rule on TRS about posting links to other sites, but this page shows the fuse locations. Changing the headlight switch is going to involve removing the instrument panel bezel which involves removing the ashtray and radio among other things. When you get to the headlight switch there will be a plastic bezel you need to unscrew from the switch, then there is a button on the switch to remove the knob, push that button and pull out the knob. Then just reverse the process to re-install.

 

[kid_crash]

I'd bet on the switch being bad. I had the switch go on my 92 Exploder.

 

[willy]

I would bet on head light switch or universal f**k up switch (multi-function switch / turn signal switch) as long as fuses and relay check out ok.

 

[johnmillward]

Is there a relay? I have not found one. Where is it located?

 

[94RoadkillRanger]

I have a 94 Ranger and don't know of a relay...I'll have to check my wiring diagram to see. Most likely the contacts in the switch are slightly corroded. When this happens there is resistance against the amperage and it heats up and thus the contacts expand to the point of disconnecting, much like a flasher (in slow motion). Your fuse probably won't blow because it is not getting enough amps to burn thru. If anything, a faulty switch in this way will cause it to pass less amps.

Old school glass buss fuses can also do the same thing, break and disconnect, then reconnect after they cool. But I've only seen this once, and you don't have glass fuses.

 

[Earl43P]

The headlamp switch AND its CONNECTOR/HARNESS are known to melt.

Both are readily available at many auto parts stores.

 

[enjr44]

I am pretty sure the headlights have a circuit breaker that automatically re-sets when the load is removed (sw turned off). My bet is that you have a high resistance short someplace in the wiring harness or in the switch. The reason it "pops" faster with the high beams is from the higher load from the brighter lamps. So IMOP, the fault is after the circuit breaker and before where the wiring splits between the hi and low beams.

Battery >> circuit breaker >> switch >> hi-low beam sw >> headlamps

There should be a wiring diagram in the tech section.