Problems with headlights and parking light

[ford88]

Hello,
I have a 1988 Ford Ranger 4x4 and just recently my headlights started to flicker the they quit. Now my parking light don't turn on when I turn the headlights on neither does the tail lights. But when I turn on my parking lights switch they work even my taillights do. Checked all my fuses and wires couldn't find anything, I think it's the headlight switch. What do you all think?

 

[Explorin94]

It does sound like you have a bad headlight switch. If your blinkers and brake light work you can rule out the turn signal switch too.

 

[89_Black_Beast]

Check your fuses again... I had the same problem in my truck. Before I got the truck someone put a 25 amp fuse in a 15 amp post slot. It took me forever to figure it out but thats what was the problem. Your deal sounds just like my prob.

 

[Jspafford]

So they parking lights work by themselves, but when you hit the headlights the parking lights to back out?

That could also be a bad ground.

 

[BlaineM]

Your description of the situation is not entirely clear because you don't use proper capitalization or punctuation and you run your sentences together. However, if headlights and parklights are faulty with the switch in HL position, the fault is probably in the headlight switch. If you have the aptitude, take the HL switch apart and clean up the internal contacts.

 

[Ranger5.0]

Blaine, no need to bash the dude on his sentince structure lol. I figured out what he was saying. ANYWAYS for the cost of a switch, replace it. COnsidering the age of the truck, and the description of whats happensing i would say its time for a new one. How did you go about checking the fuses? Some times a quick visual check isnt enough to tell if ia fues is bad, but considering that the lights DO work SOME times means that they are getting power. Do you own a Multi meter, or a test light?

 

[BlaineM]

Sorry, there was no bashing intended. I figured out what you were saying too. Just trying to confirm your diagnosis. Why make a trip to the dealer or the wrecker unless you have to. Some switchs come apart easily and just require cleaning of the internal contacts. If you feel comfortable taking the switch apart, it may be a simple and cheap solution.

My take on solving electrical problems is that most electrical problems (blown modules are the exception) are due to bad connections or short circuits. Both easy to fix, although the results can sometimes be disasterous.


Taking 15 seconds to proof read your post isn't a bad idea. Your post wasn't really that bad. I must have been thinking of the Jspafford post WTF you trying to say Jspafford?

Ranger5.0 is your sensitivity toward bashing a Canadian thing?:

How's that for changing feet?

Best regards,
Blaine