Headlight Switch Problem?

[ExplorerDMB]

Well, I was driving tonight and everything was fine. Then I went to the gas station, turned my truck off, and filled her up. I then got back in and started it up and turned my lights on (parking and low beams and fogs). I started to drive and then I noticed my headlights weren't on, but my gauges were all lit and my parking lamps were on (low beams and fogs were off). I then went to make sure I had it all the way over and I noticed that when I touched the switch the lights came back on. I am thinking "what the heck?" - but I just figured it's a switch problem since the fogs went out as well. Anyway, the thing that confused me was that I pulled the switch handle (the black piece that actually points to what lights are on) and well the little stud was hot as could be. Now, of coarse heat means resistance, but I didn't smell anything burning or anything of that nature. So is a switch my problem or is it deeper? Anyone go through this? Anyone want to run your truck around town with your lights on then pull the black piece of the switch off and see if it's hot as well? Thanks everyone.

-Drew

It's not mine, but just to show everyone (it's on the left):

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Bump - but I found some information on Alldata, but I still would like to hear anyones input on the "warmth" of the switch. Also, I tried the lights this morning and they were working fine, didn't cut off when I moved the switch. Any information would be great.

-Drew

 

[ExplorerDMB]

I didn't think these were hard questions -- anyone! put in your opinions.

-Drew

 

[bender]

look into the "multifunction switch" aka the turn signal level. there is a lot of information on here that relates to your exact symptoms, we replaced my brothers in his 96 when he lost his headlights. (a way to further diagnose is to turn on the lights (parking or low beam) and pull the turn signal lever towards you...do your high beams come on? if so it is prob your multifunction switch....pretty easy to replace and cost around 50 bucks.

 

[410Fortune]

Hey I am not sure about your 2000 but on the older trucks (Gen I and my BII) the headlight power relay is actually built into the multi function switch, which is your turn signal lever and assembly on the steering column.
I am on my 3rd one and have replaced my wiring because my headlights draw more power then stock and I kept melting the factory wiring plug
I have never had a switch problem, but the relay is not in the switch.

So on your Gen II find out where the headlight relay's are.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

pull the turn signal lever towards you...do your high beams come on? if so it is prob your multifunction switch....

No, that is wrong. Pulling the switch towards you simply turns the high beams on for however long you hold the multifunction switch and then it will turn off once you release the switch. Ford, GM, and Chrsyler all have their different ways of doing high beams -- some you pull the switch towards you, some you push away, and of coarse your old timy ones are on the floor. Now, I have never heard of and never seen (even at the shop) a multifunction switch causing a problem for the headlights. The reason I feel it is NOT the MFS is because when I hardly touched the headlight switch (not the MFS) the lights popped right back on. Oh, and remember, the MFS does not run my headlights; they are controled by their own switch which I had a parts guy order today while I was working. Thanks for the input though, you made me think for a second (and kind of made me nervous too).

-Drew

 

[wilson_nick]

gen 1

on my gen1 same thing happened, if i touched or wiggled the knob the lights would work... i bought a switch from a member here on the forum and voila no more probs.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

yup, what happens is when the contacts move inside the switch, dust, and such can get on the contacts which can sometimes cause sparks and fries or sticks contacts together and or keep them from moving. The lights work now fine, but I plan on replacing the switch so it won't happen again. Thank you for your post wilson -- huge help.

-Drew

 

[bender]

actually i MEANT to say what i said pulling the switch towards you on a ford will have them come on until you release, obviously the high beams will not go on if your head lights arent on by pushing the lever forward. this test proved valuable in my troubleshooting and thought maybe it could help with your problem. good luck...

 

[ExplorerDMB]

Fixed my problem; here's a write up: Headlight Switch Replacement (2nd Gen)