RaginYota

I would like to get others input on this problem that my truck has. When I click the high beam switch forward my lights go out. When I pull and hold the high beam switch backwards all of lights stay and the high beams also come on. Not sure if it is the switch or a relay. I went to the parts store and they said that the high beam relay is a dealer item.

Thanks in advance

904_runner

Jeremy, time to bust out the test light/ohm meter.

Let me know what the deal is!


(on a side note: i gave your number to one of my buddys who needed some tires)

ScottyB

My runner does the same thing...

Justinlhc

Same here. Pretty common problem, easy but sometimes costly fix. I'm just going to deal with it because I hardly ever drive my 4Runner at night anyways. If it ever does start to bother me I'll just put a seperate switch in for the hi-beams. Plus I think that way you can turn the low and hi beams on at the same time?

Elton

sounds like the headlight combo switch is worn out you can get one and the auto wrecker fairly cheap now b4 u go tear it all apart you can plug it in to make sure it works first and solves the problem

Junkers88

Where is the headlight combo switch located? It's not in the steering column is it?

fdp101452

Mine was doing the same thing. Its the combo switch located in the steering collum. I ordered a new switch from the dealer and got it in 3 days....for a 19yr old truck no less. Kinda pricey, but I dont find many Toyotas in the junk yards here and the ones that are, are picked clean.........regards....Rick

JoeT

I just removed the combo switch from the steering wheel assembly, disassembled the combo switch (not very hard) and lightly sanded the high-beam contacts. Works great now. I'm sure it will eventually give me problems again, but since it's not my DD, I'm willing to see how long

If you want to make sure it NEVER happens again check out the head light relay installation/mod on 4crawler.com. It re-purposes the combo switch to just pull in a relay for the high-beams rather than carrying the full current load.

Have fun.

yodathespian87

My pickup had a simuliar problem. Headlights wouldn't work but they would come on when the lever was forward (high beams) Eventually the headlights blew out. Replaced them and now I have headlights and high beams. So its a possibility that could be it.

RaginYota

Gonna give this a shot and see if that fixes it. Thanks

ScottyB

yep its the switch http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...adlights.shtml

LTrunner

i had the same problem...i fixed when i had my colum apart putting in a new ignition cylinder, anyways...found the combo swicth took it apart lightly snaded the contacts and had to slighly bend the one of the copper pieces tyo get a better contact...works mint now...very esay fix all you need are basic tools and a steering wheel puller.

JoeT

Actually, you shouldn't even need a steering wheel puller. Just loosen, but don't completely remove, the steering wheel retaining nut, and just give a good yank or two. May have to wobble a little as well. Mine popped right off with minimal effort. The key to preserving your teeth is to NOT completely remove the nut .

Let us know how it works out for you.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...eadlight_Combo

JoeT

Ooops. should have given credit to the master. I knew I found a "how-to" when I had the same problem, but didn't take the time to track it down again. Thanks for posting the MUCH more informative version than mine.

Elton

i tried cleaning the contacts etc the switch it self was just worn out

abecedarian

Getting high beams when using the passing function of the lever but not the high beam position points straight at the combo switch. Pulling back on the stalk activates the high beam without deactivating the low beams, but uses the stock high beam wiring so you know that the wiring and bulbs are working. The problem is in the contacts for the real high beam part of the switch.

I wouldn't wire in a separate switch for high beams because if you let the low and high beams light simultaneously for extended periods of time, it reduces the life of the bulb since they will run hotter than designed.

Mudd Duck 1

I have the same problem, did you ever figure it out? If so how? I have a 90 4 runner for parts will the switch out of it work on my 95? Toyota has 90 and 91 listed as one part number and 95 as another but the plug and everything looks the same to me.

Thanks

ScottyB

If it has the same amount of wires coming out and they are all the same colors I would switch em and see if it works. You might just have another bad switch if it's used. I didn't have the luxury of spare parts so I just ordered the part from the dealership, about $70, a little spendy but it fixed the problem. good luck

RaginYota

I haven't gotten into the switch yet. I actually forgot until I saw this thread again...lol.. sorry just have other things on my mind with the truck... guess you can I got a little side tracked. Once I get into it I will be sure to post it on here.

Laterz