Hello,

I'm a new poster to the forums but been reading and using it as a great resource for awhile now. Usually I can find an answer to my problem w/o having to create a new thread...but I'm at a loss.

1996 Ranger 2.3 - High beams do not work, flash to pass doesn't work.

I've tried the following (in this order)

Checked all fuses (cabin and engine, none blown).
Replaced the headlight bulbs
Replaced the multifunction switch / stalk

Where should I look next? I'm at a loss here. I really thought it was going to be the multifunction switch as I had to replace one in a F-150 for a wiper issue and I knew they became faulty.

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated!

-WildBillOH

 

the high beam switch lever on the steering wheel column ( signal left / right / push forward for headlight high beam function )

 

Yes, that's what I meant by the multifunction switch / stalk on the steering column. I replaced that and still the high beams don't work, and neither does the flash to pass.

I'm at a loss on what to try next. I searched the forums w/o any luck on prior high beam threads.

Anyone else have this problem?

 

check the relays inside the engine compartment fuse box

this is where it gets interesting , you will need help for this

using a test light , use a small pin and pierce along the high wire from the headlight socket , you are testing for 12 volts along the wire until a certain point .

you may have copper wire corrosion underneath the wire insulation until a certain point

also check the sockets themselves for melted / burned connectors

what type is your headlight socket 9004 / 9007

 

Thanks for the suggestions. You are right, things will definitely get interesting now...I need to go find my multi-meter pronto!

I believe they are 9007 off the top of my head. I had wondered about a ground issue, but don't the high / low beams share a common ground? I also wondered about checking the bulb socket, I didn't do that when I swapped the bulbs out.

I had a similar problem years ago with a 2000 Cherokee that I gave up and took to a Jeep shop and it ended up being a short BEHIND the fuse panel. I'm really hoping that's not the case as I don't want to get into that myself.

That being said, I do have a couple other wierd electrical issues to look into (the two cigarette lighter plugs flanking the stereo are dead, and the stock stereo doesn't retain the settings when you turn the truck off). I really hope they aren't all part of a bigger issue.

 

corroded connections behind the fuse panel could very well be the problem

i believe ford f-150`s and rangers had fuse panel corrosion woes dating up to 1997 i believe

yes the high low share a common ground , but the factory headlight bulb connectors were NOT made to handle higher wattage / higher heat bulbs

if it is the headlight plugs are at fault , here are better quality replacement sockets

choose the 12 gauge option with crimp and solder

BEST QUALITY 9004 / 9007 / HB1 / HB5 High Temperature Headlight Socket / Plug / Connector. We Welcome Custom Orders! All of our Head Light Sockets / Plugs / Connectors are made with USA Wire! - Innova Design & Dist. Inc. (909) 971-0000

 

Thanks for the link! Looks like I have more troubleshooting to do. :(

 

Well sometimes the simplest answers are the right ones. It ended up being the fuse. On a whim I swapped the fuse on lunch and even though the old one doesn't appear to be blown, that did the trick. High beams are now back functioning. All I can gather is maybe the old fuse blades were a bit corroded.

 

take the multimeter to it , and check for ohms resistance

maybe a internal disconnection