High/low beam switch (?) problems...

[Davewjunior]

When the low beams are on, high beams are on also. When I switch to high beams, only the highs are on. When I use the turn signal (left or right) while the low beams are on, the high beams shut off and then turn on again and run with the lows as soon as the turn signal shuts off. I just replaced the turnsignal/hi-low switch yesterday and I'm getting the same problem. Where should I start looking?

[HunterVonWurst]

You say you replaced the hi/low-signal stalk, but did you replace it with a new part?

Try swapping the relays to see if that changes anything.

[RichHawk]

subscribed.
Mine is doing the EXACT same thing. 1987 Targa 123K miles.
If I fiddle with the stalk after the turn signals auto cancle, I can get the low beams to be the only lights on. Mine definitely feels like a mechanical problem with the electrical switch that controls the high low beams.

Sorry no help for figuring it out. Was your replacement a new switch or used?

Richard

[Mark McClure]

From personal experience it is a stalk switch issue. I would think that your replacement one, if second hand also has the same problem. I used to have to hold the stalk in a certain position to stop the high beams from coming on, until fixed.

I can not remember how (several years ago) but I fixed mine....there are two or three contact switches in the housing, they become bent and corroded. You can clean them and then rebend. I do remember that it works oposite to what you would think so if you do take it apart have a careful look and spend some time thinking about the action of the switch.

Mine has worked for over 5 years now without an issue.......*****, should not have said that I know what tomorrow brings now...!

Mark.....

[RichHawk]

Thanks Mark! It's good to know they are fixable.

Dave,
Do you still have the one you took out? I say take it apart and clean it up.
Oh, and take lots of pics so I can just lazily copy your efforts

Richard

[HunterVonWurst]

Here's a thread on repair: Headlight dimmer repair?

There's also another thread on replacement, just can't find it now. If you can obtain a new or nearly new part, I'd suggest replacing.

[Davewjunior]

Yes, It was a used unit (wasn't factory installed, but "new replacement" out of another car). I just thought it was odd that two units would have the same problem. Although now, after hearing a few with the same problem, I guess it's an issue that a lot of them have. I had taken the first switch apart and tried to figure it out and clean it up, but I can't make any sense of it. If someone has the "Clean&Bend" instructions handy, it'd save me (and a few others) 150 bucks.

[Davewjunior]

oops .... Thanks for the link, HunterVonWurst. Dropped it in my lap and I didn't even see it.

If you follow the link below it'll take you where you need to go. Well, off to the ToyBox to wrench a little.
turn signal switch quick fix pictures

[darrin]

You should install headlight relays once the switch is fixed (if you haven't done so already).

Part of the root cause for this problem is that, from the factory, all of the current the headlights use goes through the turn signal switch, causing it to heat up and distort (and create your problem). Installing headlight relays will divert the current from the switch and should allow it to work properly for a good long while.

Our host sells a reasonably-priced and easy to install headlight relay kit.

[Davewjunior]

Thanks Darrin. That's next on the project list. Took the "new" switch out and tweaked the high beam contact band with some needle noses and it works fine now.

[darrin]

No problemo -- it took me under 15 minutes to install the relays in conjunction with my replacement of my sealed beam headlights with h4 inserts for my sugar scoop headlamps. The h4 inserts were a LOT less expensive than the 911-specific units and with 80/100 watt bulbs are an incredible upgrade over the sealed beam lights.

[ibmiked]

Has anyone had an issue where this did not fix the problem? I have cleaned the switch and re-bent the contacts and they seem to be working properly. The problem is that the headlights will still not come off of high and the dash light for the highs also stays illuminated. My car already has the relay upgrade and I've tried swapping those to no avail.

Thanks,
-Mike

[HunterVonWurst]

Your problem could be in the headlight switch/wiring vs. the turn-signal stalk.