Need some Help (no lights): not '67-'72 but you guys know alot - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

arkracing · 02-18-2007, 03:47 PM

I have a car that has no lights. All the fuses are good. My wife said that last night she was driving and flashed the high beams @ someone cause they had thiers on. As soon as she did that she lost the lowbeams (she thought all other lights were working ok). She put the highbeams on and drove to her parents house and stayed there for the night (I was out of town). She drove home today in the daylight. I just went out to check it out - I turned the lights on and they Worked - flipped the Highbeams on and they shut off EVERYTHING! Tail, Markers, etc. Blinkers work, flashers work. The Highbeam light on the dash comes on if you hit the switch to the "momentary position" but when you flip it to the "Highbeam on position" there is still no lights. So now I have nothing

All the fuses are good - Underhood & Under dash. Everything else seems to work fine.

I'm thinking headlight switch??? - Any other ideas?

project1971 · 02-18-2007, 04:37 PM

What type of vehicle? switch on floor or column?

PanelDeland · 02-18-2007, 05:00 PM

Since everything else works I would more suspect the dimmer switch.Hard to say though since you didn't tell us what vehicle.Could be computer controller on some of the new stuff.DRL's might make a difference too.

piecesparts · 02-18-2007, 05:05 PM

Dimmer switch would be my choice.

arkracing · 02-18-2007, 05:22 PM

2000 Ford Escort (Junk)

H/L switch is on the column - it is on the blinker switch (twist it for P/L & H/L - and you push it forward to get High Beams, pull back for momentary Highbeams). Directionals work - push switch Up/Down - typical. Everything is on the same switch.

The only "Dimmer" is the switch on the dash for the dash lights -

**Palf70Step** · 02-18-2007, 06:11 PM

My Windstar did the same thing. There is a way to clean the internals of the all in one, but normally it won't last long before they act up again (ask me how I know??).

On the Windstar and F150 I had, you don't even need to remove the wheel to change the switch.

arkracing · 02-18-2007, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

On the Windstar and F150 I had, you don't even need to remove the wheel to change the switch.

That just made my night - I was thinking about that earlier - "Man I hope I don't have to take this whole thing apart - but remembered from my body shop days that most of the newer ones have that plastic cover over the column that comes off.

Is the verdict the switch???? -

Troy-Built · 02-18-2007, 08:18 PM

I think it's the dimmer switch also. Good luck

arkracing · 02-18-2007, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Troy-Built

I think it's the dimmer switch also. Good luck

"Dimmer switch" = Headlight switch??? (Everything is on one switch - H/L (High and Low), P/L, Directionals

Troy-Built · 02-18-2007, 10:37 PM

Yes the hi/lo beam switch is the problem. I know I said dimmer switch which is what is on our trucks. I know late 80's early 90's Fords came apart easily but not sure about a 2000. I changed one on a 89 Ranger in less than 30 minutes. Everything runs off of the switch obviously. I am not sure that the hi/lo switch is not actually lower on the column.

dailydragger03 · 02-18-2007, 10:53 PM

I would say its the headlight switch. I work at a NAPA store and I've heard of it happening several times. NAPA offers a turn signal switch, but I believe its all in one piece. The part number is DL6373 if you want to take a look at it on napaonline. This part should work unless the car has factory fog lights.

49studebaker · 02-18-2007, 10:58 PM

It's actually called the Multifunction Switch...Most dealers stock those. That alone should tell you something.

arkracing · 02-19-2007, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 49studebaker

It's actually called the Multifunction Switch...Most dealers stock those. That alone should tell you something.

It's a F*@% - I already don't want to work on it as it is.

Thanks for the part number "dailydragger" - I'll check it out today.

arkracing · 02-22-2007, 05:01 PM

As much as I hate to work on newer Fords - this was an easy job.

Thanks for all the help with this guys: I changed the switch today and it solved the problem (I actually was playing around with the lights yesterday and jiggled the switch around and they came on so I knew that was the problem)

Took me about 15min. Pop the top & bottom cover's off the column and change the switch:

Ironically enough the switch I got was from AutoZone made by Wells (In the USA - Surprisingly) and it looked EXACTLY like the Ford switch - marking for marking.

Ford was 2-3days wait @ $99
My Good Parts guy was 3-4days wait @ $80
NAPA was 3-4day @ $78
AutoZone was 1day @ $66 (and surprisingly US made)
Advance - I called and the "English as a Second Lang." kid told me $3hundred something - I told him the Ford was only $99 and hung up.

**Palf70Step** · 02-22-2007, 05:04 PM

Glad it worked out. Yep My autozone switch (both times) lasted me over 3 years and may still be going on whoever has those old F@rds

71chevytruckguy · 02-22-2007, 10:53 PM

glad to know autozone was best and cheapesr. i just strarted workin at one. chris.

02-18-2007, 03:47 PM	#1
arkracing Weekend Warrior Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: CT Posts: 1,787	Need some Help (no lights): not '67-'72 but you guys know alot I have a car that has no lights. All the fuses are good. My wife said that last night she was driving and flashed the high beams @ someone cause they had thiers on. As soon as she did that she lost the lowbeams (she thought all other lights were working ok). She put the highbeams on and drove to her parents house and stayed there for the night (I was out of town). She drove home today in the daylight. I just went out to check it out - I turned the lights on and they Worked - flipped the Highbeams on and they shut off EVERYTHING! Tail, Markers, etc. Blinkers work, flashers work. The Highbeam light on the dash comes on if you hit the switch to the "momentary position" but when you flip it to the "Highbeam on position" there is still no lights. So now I have nothing All the fuses are good - Underhood & Under dash. Everything else seems to work fine. I'm thinking headlight switch??? - Any other ideas? __________________ -'07 GMC Sierra K2500HD -'66 C10 Suburban -'68/'71 K20 Service Bed Project -'69 Chevy C30 Mason Dump -'33Ford P/U 396ChevyPowered Last edited by arkracing; 02-18-2007 at 03:48 PM.

02-18-2007, 04:37 PM	#2
project1971 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 605	Re: Need some Help (no lights): not '67-'72 but you guys know alot What type of vehicle? switch on floor or column? __________________ 2008 Ford FX2 Screw 1971 C10 project in shop now! 2004 Pontiac Grandam (wifes) 2000 Cavalier z24 (gas saver)

02-18-2007, 05:00 PM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Need some Help (no lights): not '67-'72 but you guys know alot Since everything else works I would more suspect the dimmer switch.Hard to say though since you didn't tell us what vehicle.Could be computer controller on some of the new stuff.DRL's might make a difference too. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

02-18-2007, 05:05 PM	#4
piecesparts Parts and more parts Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lebo, Kansas (middle of nowhere Posts: 6,821	Re: Need some Help (no lights): not '67-'72 but you guys know alot Dimmer switch would be my choice.

02-18-2007, 05:22 PM	#5
arkracing Weekend Warrior Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: CT Posts: 1,787	Re: Need some Help (no lights): not '67-'72 but you guys know alot 2000 Ford Escort (Junk) H/L switch is on the column - it is on the blinker switch (twist it for P/L & H/L - and you push it forward to get High Beams, pull back for momentary Highbeams). Directionals work - push switch Up/Down - typical. Everything is on the same switch. The only "Dimmer" is the switch on the dash for the dash lights - __________________ -'07 GMC Sierra K2500HD -'66 C10 Suburban -'68/'71 K20 Service Bed Project -'69 Chevy C30 Mason Dump -'33Ford P/U 396ChevyPowered Last edited by arkracing; 02-18-2007 at 05:24 PM.

02-18-2007, 06:11 PM	#6
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,216	Re: Need some Help (no lights): not '67-'72 but you guys know alot My Windstar did the same thing. There is a way to clean the internals of the all in one, but normally it won't last long before they act up again (ask me how I know??). On the Windstar and F150 I had, you don't even need to remove the wheel to change the switch. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

02-18-2007, 08:18 PM	#8
Troy-Built Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Perrysville Indiana Posts: 258	Re: Need some Help (no lights): not '67-'72 but you guys know alot I think it's the dimmer switch also. Good luck __________________ 69 Chevelle SS 375/396 TKO 600 71 Suburban 3/4 4x4 402 5-speed (project) 68 chevy C10 shortbed 327 5-speed (project) 72 Blazer 4x4 400 4-speed (wifes project) Numerous 67-72 parts trucks

02-18-2007, 10:37 PM	#10
Troy-Built Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Perrysville Indiana Posts: 258	Re: Need some Help (no lights): not '67-'72 but you guys know alot Yes the hi/lo beam switch is the problem. I know I said dimmer switch which is what is on our trucks. I know late 80's early 90's Fords came apart easily but not sure about a 2000. I changed one on a 89 Ranger in less than 30 minutes. Everything runs off of the switch obviously. I am not sure that the hi/lo switch is not actually lower on the column. __________________ 69 Chevelle SS 375/396 TKO 600 71 Suburban 3/4 4x4 402 5-speed (project) 68 chevy C10 shortbed 327 5-speed (project) 72 Blazer 4x4 400 4-speed (wifes project) Numerous 67-72 parts trucks Last edited by Troy-Built; 02-18-2007 at 10:41 PM.

02-18-2007, 10:53 PM	#11
dailydragger03 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sevierville/Cookeville TN Posts: 138	Re: Need some Help (no lights): not '67-'72 but you guys know alot I would say its the headlight switch. I work at a NAPA store and I've heard of it happening several times. NAPA offers a turn signal switch, but I believe its all in one piece. The part number is DL6373 if you want to take a look at it on napaonline. This part should work unless the car has factory fog lights. __________________ 03 ext cab stepside silverado bagged on 20's with some other cool stuff (daily driver) 1970 c10 short step just gettin started on it (project)

02-18-2007, 10:58 PM	#12
49studebaker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Victor, Montana Posts: 386	Re: Need some Help (no lights): not '67-'72 but you guys know alot It's actually called the Multifunction Switch...Most dealers stock those. That alone should tell you something. __________________ 04 4x4 GMC Ext. Cab lifted 71 2wd GMC / Ramjet 350 ready for sheet metal 49 Studebaker pickup

02-22-2007, 05:01 PM	#14
arkracing Weekend Warrior Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: CT Posts: 1,787	Git-R-Dun As much as I hate to work on newer Fords - this was an easy job. Thanks for all the help with this guys: I changed the switch today and it solved the problem (I actually was playing around with the lights yesterday and jiggled the switch around and they came on so I knew that was the problem) Took me about 15min. Pop the top & bottom cover's off the column and change the switch: Ironically enough the switch I got was from AutoZone made by Wells (In the USA - Surprisingly) and it looked EXACTLY like the Ford switch - marking for marking. Ford was 2-3days wait @ $99 My Good Parts guy was 3-4days wait @ $80 NAPA was 3-4day @ $78 AutoZone was 1day @ $66 (and surprisingly US made) Advance - I called and the "English as a Second Lang." kid told me $3hundred something - I told him the Ford was only $99 and hung up. __________________ -'07 GMC Sierra K2500HD -'66 C10 Suburban -'68/'71 K20 Service Bed Project -'69 Chevy C30 Mason Dump -'33Ford P/U 396ChevyPowered Last edited by arkracing; 02-22-2007 at 05:06 PM.

02-22-2007, 05:04 PM	#15
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,216	Re: Need some Help (no lights): not '67-'72 but you guys know alot Glad it worked out. Yep My autozone switch (both times) lasted me over 3 years and may still be going on whoever has those old F@rds __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

02-22-2007, 10:53 PM	#16
71chevytruckguy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kernersville, NC Posts: 599	Re: Need some Help (no lights): not '67-'72 but you guys know alot glad to know autozone was best and cheapesr. i just strarted workin at one. chris. __________________ its a work in progess. 71 c-10 lwb, in the middle of frame off restoration. 69 c-10 swb, drag truck, 406 sbc, balanced, comp 292 cam, ported, polished, gasket matched, and bowl blended pro comp 210cc heads, 2.02/1.60 ferrea valves,1.6 roller rockers, re curved hei with msd 6al box, 2-step rev limter, accel 300+ wires, ported victor jr intake, holley 750 double pumper carb, dynomax 1 5/8 headers, 4 spd munci m-20 with super case and iron midplate, mr. gasket vertigate shifter, 5.38 pro gears with full spool, 33 spline moser axles and c-clip elimators, line-loc, 5 gal fuel cell, holley blue pump. 7.807 @ 88.37mph 1.60 60FT 80 g-20 van, tow rig, cammed 305, th350, 10 bolt 88 jeep wrangler, dd, 258, ax-15 swap, 4.5" lift, 33x12.50's, lockers, 3.55's



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