High Beams not working
#1
High Beams not working
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
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
#3
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?
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?
#4
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
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
#5
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.
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.
#6
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
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
#8
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.
Last edited by wildbilloh; 09-29-2015 at 12:00 PM.
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