headlights going out randomly
#1
headlights going out randomly
Hi all, I'm having an issue where my headlights on my late '85 runner (IFS) go out randomly while driving. If i click over to highbeams i have no issues. I don't know if it's a switch issue with the stalk or something else but thought i'd ask in case other's have had the same issues. Any suggestions?
#2
Above could be caused by the poor wiring that the trucks came with out of the factory. The stock wiring subjects dimmer combo contacts (meant ton only control - not switch loads) to high currents.
After you fix / replace your dimmer combo, if you want to precen above problem AND have brighter lights, I strongly recommend the H4 conversion. this is more essential than any housing or bulb upgrade. Most important if you plan to use high-wattage (90? 110W?) high beams.
Last edited by RAD4Runner; 06-23-2016 at 04:37 PM.
#3
Thanks for the schematic, I'm not all that well versed with electrical switches and connections, do you think fixing the switch is a good bet or should I just look to replace it? Any chance you might know what PN I'd need to replace it? I don't have a parts manual on this truck.
#5
If they stay out long enough:
1) Take voltage reading between pins 6 and 13. If there is more than zero volt while in low beam position and lights are still out, that confirms that contact is bad.
OR...
2) Short pin 6 to pin 13. If that makes them come back on consistently, yes, contacts are bad.
Probably pitted or corroded. IF you can find out how to take switch apart, you'll easily see if possible to fix the switch.
Our 87 Honda Prelude had same issue so I built up the pitted spot with solder and it worked again. However, because of the heavy load on contacts, it did not last very long. IF YOU USE H4 CONVERSION HARNESS RIGHT AWAY, contacts repaired that way would last longer - enough to give you time to save or shop replacement.
PN ------- STILL researching ---
Found the stalk on rockauto.com but that's not what you need. You need the one that the stalk inserts into. The one you actuate bu pulling stalk back or pushing forward.
Last edited by RAD4Runner; 06-23-2016 at 11:27 PM.
#6
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Here is how I go about fixing my head light issues >>>> https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f199...l#post51724567 usually the contacts need cleaned.
#7
I had exact same problem and ended up being the wire that runs from stalk through plug underneath steering column and to main fuse block under hood to headlight relay. I would lose the lights and hitting high beams would bring back. When they went out for good i discovered the wire was corroded/melted inside the harness under the front right fender. I had the harness plug under steering column melt the same wire on another tuck. I suspected bad grounds in both cases and after cleaning the grounds and repairing the wire neither occurred again. Maybe try checking continuity on the red wire going from headlight relay back to harness plug under steering column.
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#8
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Thanks for the schematic, I'm not all that well versed with electrical switches and connections, do you think fixing the switch is a good bet or should I just look to replace it? Any chance you might know what PN I'd need to replace it? I don't have a parts manual on this truck.
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