Headlight Problems '95 Ranger
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Joined: May 2023
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From: Columbia
Headlight Problems '95 Ranger
Short version: My headlights don't work at all, EXCEPT the high beams work only on the temporary (hold-on) setting of the multi-function switch on the steering column. The fuses are OK.
Is it the headlight main switch, the multifunction switch, or something else?
I've had the dash cover panel off for awhile (embarrassingly long actually) due to a half-done speedometer project. The headlight switch has been hanging. Started having trouble with intermittent headlights and when I took a good look at the switch, a couple of incoming wire lugs were corroded. It also got pretty warm which was consistent with high resistance connections. So I found some close-enough lugs in my parts drawers, snipped a couple inches of wire and spliced in a new piece and lug. They were fine (as I recall) for a bit but then back to intermittent. It seemed to get worse rapidly until the only thing that works is the brights if I hold the lever on the steering column.
Seems there is no headlight relay in this vehicle which may explain why the switch got warm, if all the power is going through it to the lights.
While searching for a relay and learning about that, I learned the multifunction switch on the steering column can also go bad and that power to the low beams goes through it as well..
The headlight switch is $38, the MF switch is $25 for a cheapie or $50 and up for a good one.
Any suggestions what to do next?
Is it the headlight main switch, the multifunction switch, or something else?
I've had the dash cover panel off for awhile (embarrassingly long actually) due to a half-done speedometer project. The headlight switch has been hanging. Started having trouble with intermittent headlights and when I took a good look at the switch, a couple of incoming wire lugs were corroded. It also got pretty warm which was consistent with high resistance connections. So I found some close-enough lugs in my parts drawers, snipped a couple inches of wire and spliced in a new piece and lug. They were fine (as I recall) for a bit but then back to intermittent. It seemed to get worse rapidly until the only thing that works is the brights if I hold the lever on the steering column.
Seems there is no headlight relay in this vehicle which may explain why the switch got warm, if all the power is going through it to the lights.
While searching for a relay and learning about that, I learned the multifunction switch on the steering column can also go bad and that power to the low beams goes through it as well..
The headlight switch is $38, the MF switch is $25 for a cheapie or $50 and up for a good one.
Any suggestions what to do next?
Welcome to the forum
Always good to post year of your Ranger with questions
Yes, Main light switch would be what to replace first
The "Flash to Pass" on multi-function switch by-passes the main light switch so it can be used anytime not just when head lights are on
But they share the same fuse for 12v power
Flash to pass
Fuse---------------------multi-function switch-----------------fuse-------------------High beams
Headlights
Fuse------main light switch-----------multi-function switch==========fuses==========low and high beams
Always good to post year of your Ranger with questions
Yes, Main light switch would be what to replace first
The "Flash to Pass" on multi-function switch by-passes the main light switch so it can be used anytime not just when head lights are on
But they share the same fuse for 12v power
Flash to pass
Fuse---------------------multi-function switch-----------------fuse-------------------High beams
Headlights
Fuse------main light switch-----------multi-function switch==========fuses==========low and high beams
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