I got in my truck (2004 Ranger 4.0L 4x4) this morning and noticed the high beam indicator light was on. When I went to switch it off, it was in the normal position and I noticed I had no lights at all. I pulled the bulbs and they are fine but the connectors look burnt. Is the relay shorted out, and where can I find it?

 

Well just replaced both bulbs even though the old bulbs weren't burnt out, and that did the trick. I guess the old bulbs were shorted out somewhere other then the filament.

 

Some vehicles use the high beam indicator to warn the driver of an open circuit in one or both low beam headlights. It could be because of a broken bulb filament or any other reason. I had a Mercury Villager that did this on a regular basis and swapping in a different bulb would cure it for a while, presumably because disturbing the connection improved it temporarily. This went on until I finally installed a Motorcraft repair connector at the offending headlight.

I don't know for a fact that your 2004 is set up that way but it's something to keep in mind.

BTW, if you are using aftermarket bulbs with a power rating over the original 65W/55W, that could explain the scorched connectors. The factory harness and connectors are fine with the stock replacement bulbs for which they were designed. However, they often get cooked running the higher powered bulbs which are non-compliant with USDOT and Transport Canada regs.

 

you are 100% correct, new bulbs solved the issue. made sure to use dielectric grease and stock OEM replacements. I got the other bulbs off Ebay. You get what you pay for.

 

Camburg is what was posted waaaaaay back in 2006....