Headlight and charging issues

[johnfwy]

Hello! My 1998 Explorer headlights quit working. The parking lights work and the high beams come on with the multifunction switch pulled, but don't stay on when "locked" on. I replaced the headlight switch about a year ago due to the old one melting(!) but have had not other problems until now. Also, just within the last week or two, the battery has been discharging. I had the battery and charging system tested and both passed (although the battery was low again). I'm sure these problems are somehow related, but unsure what to check. I'm going out now to check my grounds and may try replacing the switch again. Any advice or suggestions would be welcomed and MOST appreciated! Thanks!!
JP

 

[1Aauto]

Welcome to the site

 

[johnfwy]

Thanks Tony!

 

[johnfwy]

If anyone is interested......
I checked all my grounds and bulbs and they were all okay. I ended up buying a new switch (cheapest way to start - HL7058 ~$20). When I got to the old one (bit of a chore), the connector was fried. There were a couple of places where there were exposed wires - I'm hoping these were the cause of the slow battery discharge. If not, I'll post again. I bought a connector too. (EC262 ~$48!!) The switch worked for the headlights (didn't want to take a chance on using the old one with a new connector) - and, again, I'm hoping the new connector fixes the discharge.