headlight question

[slipperyslope]

when I pull the headlight switch out the parking lights work but headlights don't come on. If I flash bright lights using steering column arm those work. I pulled the headlight switch and cleaned contacts. Any ideas on where to start? Replace the dash switch? (it is expensive). Thanks, this forum rocks!

[freeform911]

Car running.

[RSBob]

If the car is running and no headlights but only high beams you have my exact problem. It was cured by installing a new stalk switch/lever.

[Craig_D]

It should be noted that, unless you've installed headlight relays, the full power for the headlights runs through the stalk. Often times, this problem can be cured by installing the headlight relays, which bypasses the stalk for power, and only uses the stalk to trigger the relays, and takes the power load off of the stalk.

I had a similar issue where the high beams wouldn't work every time, so I installed the headlight relays and cured the problem. Bonus is that you get brighter headlights because that power is going directly from the battery to the relays, and then to the headlights (in place of the long journey through the stalk).

I bought my relays from the host.

Hope that helps.

[slipperyslope]

Whether the car is running or not doesn't make a difference. I will try the relays first. Thanks for the help.

[Flojo]

Originally Posted by RSBob

If the car is running and no headlights but only high beams you have my exact problem. It was cured by installing a new stalk switch/lever.

yes, a common problem. had the same issue.

the levers inside heats up and deforms so contacts are mismatched.
its due the oem-wireing with no relay.

the inside of this unit is the unrepareable culprit:

[al lkosmal]

turn signal switch quick fix pictures

[universeman]

Flojo it's not unrepairable, it's actually repairable with a tiny screwdriver and a little patience. Al's post gives you all the info you need. This does sound consistent with the symptom OP is seeing.