2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Low beam headlights quit

[BigCarl64]

MY low beams quit working last night and I have checked everything I know. I have checked the fuses, the bulbs, the connections, and the headlight switch itself and all check out fine. The high beams still work and the flash to pass as well. The only thing I can make any sense of is the lights went out when I tilted the steering wheel. Would the headights somehow be tied into th clock spring if it went bad? Does anyone with a service manual know if the headlight circuit runs thru the steering column?



Any help would be greatly appreciated. BTW, I have a 2001 QC 3500 4x4 Sport.

 

[jmeehan]

The multi function switch or dimmer switch in the steering column is part of the headlight circuit. It could be bad contacts or wires in there. Have you checked for a bad ground? I don't know what else shares a ground with the low beams.

 

[illflem]

Most likely you have a connector plug under the dash or in the steering column that isn't fully engaged. Has anyone been messing around under the dash?

 

[B.G. Smith]

The dimmer switch is mounted on the steering column just below the instrument cluster on trhe left side. It is adjustable (up and dowm the column) to match the stroke of the turn signal lever when used to dim or switch the head lights. Sounds like it is a little too tight and won't let the dimmer switch work. Try loosening the holdown screws (2) and slide it down slightly (don't let it slide down too far as the operating rod will fall out). bg

 

[supergas]

Had this type of problem last week, had a customer come in complaining his low beams quit, but they were working at the time, tilted wheel and they went out, pulled multi function switch out and found a loose wire in the connector they are held in with a very small plastic tab, a little superglue and it works like new again, Sounds like this may be kin to your problem give it a look, you will need tamper resistant torx bits to get to it.

 

[Missouri Mule]

BigCarl64

Usually if dimmer switch bites the dust the lows /highs beam will not work. Loose connection or adjustment sound right.



Did you check to see if the you had power to head lamps(lowbeam)?



It would be some what unusual but there is possibilty that the low's on both head lights burned out at same time.



Look for broken wire going to head light also.

 

[BigCarl64]

Thanks everyone for the great responses!



Supergas, you hit it right on the head. I did find a wire that had come loose from the connector in the steering column next to the multi-function switch. I put the wire back in the connector and put superglue to hold it in. Works great!!!

 

[ItsOnlyMoney]

Thanks for the info.

I just wanted to drop a note and thank those who contributed to this thread. My headlights were not working today. At first I thought about taking it to the dealer, but, I thought I'd do some searching here first. The fix suggested in this thread by supergas was right on, and made this a 30 minute fix. This happened on a 3 year old 2001.



Thanks again,

David