So this has been an on going problem lately.

First, my headlights would shut off for just a second then turn back on, and continue to flash a few times, then be fine.

This went on for about a month.

Now they don't come on at all. I've noticed that my highbeam indicator won't even come on. Checked the fuses and they're fine. I was thinking relay problem, had someone mention that it could be the actual switch on the steering column but that sounded kinda odd being as the parking lights and turn signals still work.

Where is the headlight relay on an 88 4runner? I'm not big into electrical problems.

 

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

Try flash mode (pull back on dimmer switch) and if it works OK, then it is the switch.

 

when i pull back on mine, the light inside comes on, but the headlights go dark. but if i push back on it, the high beams come on. are you having this problem as well? if so i think we'd both like to know what that is....

 

Check the contacts in the headlight/combo switch. Different contacts are used for parking, low, high and flash modes. So not uncommon for one to work but not the other. Between high beam, low beam and flash mode, you share the same bulbs, wiring, relay, fuses, etc. Only difference is which contacts in the combo switch are in use:

 

im not havin any real problems as of now... i use my KCs to flash people who cut me off, not my highbeams anyway . and i saw my mechanic at work do 2 ignition systems... count me out... lol

 

low beam, high beam, and flash don't work, nor does the high beam indicator in the dash. Could I have a relay thats stuck?

 

Only one relay in the system, so if you have no power anywhere in the headlight system then that is a good place to start. The relay supplies 12 volts to the headlights, the switch grounds various parts to complete the circuit and turn on the various bulb filaments.

 

So I took the headlight relay out of my other 88 and it didn't change anything, but when I put my relay in the other 88, everything still worked so it's not the relay. Any other ideas?

 

I have the headlight wiring diagram on the web page below, all broken out with descriptions of the sections:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#HarnessTypes

Basically, you need to take a "divide and conquer" approach. Find someplace in the circuit to test and decide if things are working at that point or not. If things are working, like you know the relay is OK, then take what is left, find someplace in the middle to test and repeat until you find what is broken. For example, it is the combo switch (rotary parts) that turns on the headlight relay. So if that switch is faulty, then the relay will not turn on to supply power for the headlights. So, while the relay itself may be OK (as evidenced by your testing), if it is not getting energized, it won't work right.

Not a lot to the circuit, relay, fuses, wires to headlights, wires back to dash, combo switch then a ground connection.

 

sounds like the switch in the steering column when I bought my 86 the high beams did not work at all swapped out with another switch and all was good for me.

 

If you have any problem with your headlights you can just visit here
http://usautolighting.com/toyota

 

If you have any problems with headlights you can just visit here http://usautolighting.com/toyota/

 

If you ever need a new headlight... this is a good place to get it: Car Headlights. Great prices, too. I've shopped with them before.