I've got a problem with the headlight switch on my truck. I've tried a brand new switch and one from a salvaged '98 F150. They all have the same problem, so I'm wondering what the cause may be:

When I pull the headlight switch out to the first position for the parking lights, the parking lights come on as they should. When I pull the switch out the second position, the headlights energize, but the parking lights shut off. However, if I slowly pull the switch out from position one (parking lights) toward position two (headlights), at a point somewhere near the middle of these two, I can get the headlights to energize and the parking lights remain powered. It's a very slight point where all the lights come on.

Since I've tried other switches, including one new from Ford, I'm completely stumped as to why this is happening and how to correct it.

Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Michael Netherton

 

lets think about this. If you've put a new switch in and it does the same, then I'm guessing its not the switch. Possibly One of your light wires has shorted to another somewhere. Check your relay?

 

I know what I am saying is not going to make sense, but check ALL of your fuses. I have seen this many times and I bet you have one that is burnt. I cant remember what fuse it is or which circuit it actually protects, but I am 90% sure that is what your problem is.

 

I'm not sure myselft but I believe there is a relay under the hood for these lights, could that be bad? Just a thought

 

I though I had a bad switch and replaced it with no result. I think the problem started when I mucked with some of my trailer wiring. Have you done anything to your wiring harness for any of your lighting? I am going to pull everything apart and I will let you know.

WH.

 

I'm really not sure if its related or not, but when the multi-function switch went out on my truck my headlights stoped working until i jiggled the switch. I replaced it with a new one ($60) and it works fine now. I've heard there is a way to rebuild them, but i'm not sure how to do this....just a thought.

 

I thought I had checked all of the fuses but this weekend I finally had some time to roll up the sleeves for what I thought was going to be major surgery ie switch removal etc. I decided to check the in-Cab fuses one last time and what do you know....there was one burnt out. Swapped in a new one and she is all good. I can't believe I lived with this problem so long for the want of a dang 15amp fuse....

W.

 

Glad to hear you got it fixed.

You dont know how many times I've told someone with that problem to check thier fuses. Then I have to watch them look at me like I dont know what I'm talking about. But 9 times out of 10 that's the problem.
C-ya

 

...so what made the fuse blow?? They don't just decide to commit suicide.

 

Which fuse was it?

 

...almost embarrased to say...It was the trailer wiring fuse and it must have happened when I hooked up to a rental trailer with fubar wiring.

The legend on the fuse panel cover listed about 3 functions for this one fuse. Two of which I did not have on my vehicle. The other weird thing is that prior to replacing the "burnt fuse" I tested my trailer hookup with a light tester and all of my signals worked...go Figure..

 

Thanks 302 guy, I had the same problem, and was about to buy a new switch.
You just saved ne a big hastle for no reason. I never would have thought a fuse would do that. LOL

TomChambers