2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Headlight or dimmer switch failing?

[Ramtough]

On an infrequent basis - always when the headlight switch is cool and is being turned on for the first time (that day), when I turn on the headlights, I get high beam only. The lights do not respond to the dimmer switch. This can really get my fellow drivers' boxers in a bunch :-{} . So far, I have been able to correct the problem by truning the lights off and on several times. This also does not make other drivers happy if I happen to be on the road when this happens.



I've hesitated to take the truck to a dealer or start replacing parts myself because I cannot duplicate the problem consistently.



What do you folks think the problem might be?

 

[K5IP]

On my 95, it was the dimmer switch, called a multifunction switch. The switch design has changed since 95 so I can't be of much help. Rather than replace the switch, I hardwired around the low beam (failed) part of the switch and added a relay for the high beams to reduce the headlight switch load. Now low's are on all the time the headlight switch it on.

Rog

 

[Thomas]

Here's the circuit: https://www.turbodieselregister.com/user_gallery/displayimage.php?&photoid=15712&width=4

 

[master1578]

I had a similar problem a few weeks ago. I replaced the multi-function (turn signal, high/low beam, wipers) switch and that cured the problem. I think it was $65 at NAPA. Easy fix, but be aware that there are 2 or 3 of the tamper proof torx (pin in the middle) screws that secure the switch to the steering column. T20 I think. Same size as the regular ones on the bottom side of the steering column cover.



Good Luck,

Brian

 

[JCoffey]

Hey, I had the same problem a month or so ago and I found that the wire for low beam was not making good connection in the connector in the steering column. It is part of a twenty pin or so wire connector in the steering column. The wire for low beam is in the top corner and every time I would use my tilt and lower the steering wheel I would lose low beam. If I raised the steering wheel the wire would make contact and low beams would work. I fixed the connection for that wire at the connector and have not had any more problems to date. Just something you may want to check before changing out the hi/low stalk switch.

 

[TX DUCKHUNTER]

How do you get to the back of the 20-pin connection? The wire for my low-beams came loose as well (completely loose) but there isn't enough play in the wire (or room behind the connector) to re-attach it.

 

[rrausch]

On my '95 I installed Sportlights, and wired the brights, dims and also the clearance/running lights into 3 separate relays. That was about 3 years ago, and I've never had a problem--sometimes I hold the multifunction switch back so brights & dims both are on at the same time, but running everything through relays there is very little amperage going through the switches.