jpsstewart3

Hey guys, I'm having trouble with my running/ head lights on my 95 4runner. They do not come on when I turn the switch. Turning signals are out as well, both on the dash and lamps. However, my hi-beams will work when I pull the lever back…BUT… they don’t work when pushing the lever forward to click them on (I have to hold it back to keep lamps on).

All fuses are good, the relays seem ok. Traced some wires, nothing crossing/ disconnected. The lights and bulbs work because they will flash when the alarm goes off but will not flash when I turn on the Hazard/ yield signal. What’s the deal?? Is it the switch maybe?? If so, what do I do/ replace/ test???

Please help, I got a ticket because the rear running lights weren’t on (taillights are good). I have to fix it and show that it works at my court date of pay fine…. F’n bullsquat

RJR

Looking at the wiring diagram, it looks like it could be a broken ground lead to the switch on the steering column. There are a couple of ground connections, it appears. The headlight relay, tailight relay, and turn signal/hazard flasher get activated through one of those grounds. There's a separate ground for when you pull the stalk back for the "flash" mode, which would likely be why your headlights work then.

Whoever wired in the alarm probably just bypassed all of that stuff and connected directly to the lights, so the alarm isn't affected.

I'm guessing a steering column disassembly is in your future.

Other folks may have more direct experience with this sort of thing.

Ron

jpsstewart3

Ok this sounds, quite possible. I'll check that tomorrow and report back

scope103

This electrical diagram shows a single ground for the headlight switch, so I'm not sure a loose ground is your problem. But RJR's approach is correct; use a multimeter through the "B" connector and it will point you right at your problem.

This is NOT a case for throwing parts at it (I'm not sure that is EVER the case), but if you conclude the switch is bad RockAuto has them for about $50.