1983 Toyota Pickup Headlight Problem (Please help!)
#1
1983 Toyota Pickup Headlight Problem (Please help!)
Hey there, I am a proud owner of a 1983 Toyota pickup! However I am experiencing a strange electrical problem.
Sometimes when I turn my headlights on they will not come on immediately. I have notice that when this happens the hazard lights will not work either. However, the rest of the lights (dash, breaks, etc) still work.
When the headlights won't come on you can hear a strange buzzing noise coming from the dash.
The headlights will usually come on after 20 seconds or so of driving but sometimes they will stay off completely. This is very frustrating as I use this truck to deliver pizzas and if it happens at night while I'm working I'm screwed!
Please help me to troubleshoot or fix this problem because I am stumped!
Sometimes when I turn my headlights on they will not come on immediately. I have notice that when this happens the hazard lights will not work either. However, the rest of the lights (dash, breaks, etc) still work.
When the headlights won't come on you can hear a strange buzzing noise coming from the dash.
The headlights will usually come on after 20 seconds or so of driving but sometimes they will stay off completely. This is very frustrating as I use this truck to deliver pizzas and if it happens at night while I'm working I'm screwed!
Please help me to troubleshoot or fix this problem because I am stumped!
#3
...the hazard lights will not work either. However, the rest of the lights (dash, breaks, etc) still work.
Last edited by RAD4Runner; 10-08-2013 at 04:03 AM.
#4
Our senses are the best troubleshooting tool for our classics and you are in the best position to find the source of that buzzing, right? Could be a relay that's going bad.
Next best troubleshooting step is find the schematic and find what the headlight and hazards share in common that they do not share in common with the other lights lights (dash, breaks, etc). If you can post that schematic, we may be able to help you find that.
Next best troubleshooting step is find the schematic and find what the headlight and hazards share in common that they do not share in common with the other lights lights (dash, breaks, etc). If you can post that schematic, we may be able to help you find that.
What is a relay and what does it look like? I will take a closer look under the dash tomorrow.
As for the schematic, I own an 83 pickup repair manual. I will try to find a schematic and post it tomorrow.
And to add further info, today the lights wouldn't turn on. I oped the hood and wiggled a strand of wires and the lights turned on. Could it be a loose wire or a bad ground?
#5
The harnesses on a 30 year old truck tend to need some TLC. Mine was doing a similar dance when I bought my 81 almost 7 years ago. I ended bypassing most of the original harness by using a PIAA relay and harness.
you can find decent harnesses on Amazon or 4Crawler off road makes a nice one-
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...adlights.shtml
you can find decent harnesses on Amazon or 4Crawler off road makes a nice one-
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...adlights.shtml
#6
Registered User
It is most likely the relay but the wiring in the steering could be going bad especially if you have tilt steering. The plug connected to the relay could be dirty or corroded. The four way could have the same problem; dirt or corrosion. Remove the plugs, check them and spray them with electrical contact cleaner. I have original relays in my truck but I use contact cleaner on them every so many years and I do not have any problems.
#7
The harnesses on a 30 year old truck tend to need some TLC. Mine was doing a similar dance when I bought my 81 almost 7 years ago. I ended bypassing most of the original harness by using a PIAA relay and harness.
you can find decent harnesses on Amazon or 4Crawler off road makes a nice one-
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...adlights.shtml
you can find decent harnesses on Amazon or 4Crawler off road makes a nice one-
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...adlights.shtml
OP needs to to troubleshoot control circuit first. Yes OP, inspect your wires for corrosion/breaks.
Stock wiring is so bad that it could mess up the dimmer-combo switch (stalk) from too much current.
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#10
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Eugene, OR
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I have an '81 and I don't have any high beams. I've replaced the combo switch with two others and got nothing. Mine has different symptoms though. If the headlights are off and you pull back for flash to pass the lows come on, but if you turn on the headlights and do the same you get nothing, as well if you push the stalk forward. Any ideas? I can barely read a wiring diagram...
#11
I feel your pain, electrical on these are a beast. Worst part is , to pay someone the amount of time to fix all electrical issues would be ouchie. And to figure it out on your own is equally ouchie
#12
I have the same problem with my 81 Pick up. The head lights stopped working altogether. I changed out one relay and they started working again then hit my four-way flashers with lights on and it buzzed and everything died I haven’t tried Anything else yet.
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