HELP - Electrical problems
 

Just when I thought I was safe... I started my car this morning to drive to work, no problems. But, my headlights won't come on, my horn won't work and my turn signals will not come on.

I checked the fuses and all are fine, everything worked yesterday. The hazard lights will come on and flash. The running lights work fine, including instrument lights, but no turn signals or headlights, including high beams.

What is going on here? Can I fix this? This is my daily driver. Any suggestions here?

did you check the 3 elec plugs under the dash on the firewall ?

No, I haven't had a chance to check anything except the fuses yet. What plugs on the firewall are you referring to? I will check them first thing.

Sean,

Check and clean the connections at the battery first, probably not the problem but always the first to check.

Remove the headlight switch by unscrewing the knob and bezel and let the switch hang down by the wires where you can see the terminals. Now is the time for some diagnostic work. Get a wiring diagram and a test light and confirm there is power where it’s supposed to be. One-at-a-time, remove each wire from the headlight switch and inspect and clean the terminals.

It is probable this is a corroded connection. It is possible this is a headlight switch failure or other. Only careful diagnostics will tell.

Best,
Grady

They are circular black plastic items that push into the steel firewall below the dash and under the steering wheel.

Okay, I will try everything tonight. One question, would the lack of headlights be related to now having no turn signals or horn, or are they coincidentally isolated failures? Could this be a turn signal switch failure? I have read some about that but I am shooting blind here.

Do I need to remove anything to check those three plugs or will i see them when I crawl under there?

Yes, all are related by going through the plug as above. The plugs will be obvious if you follow the cablebundles from the steering wheel shaft to the bulkhead....the unplu easily...just pull. make sure they are all pushed in as far as possible.

These are related in other ways also..headlight and horn relay share ground.....but try the obvious first.

Update... Well I cannot thank everyone who posted enough. You guys were exactly right. The plug from the turn signal stalk came out. It took about 5 minutes to locate it and get it back in. You all saved me a lot of time that I got to spend with the kids instead. I hope that I can repay the favor sometime. Thank you.

Score one for Ron! Home run! :D