2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Need Help with Headlamps not working

[MLee]

mutifunction switch

Mine has started doing this also. One question that i have had since reading these particular posts, say that the wires are intact, not broken, the question is can the switch be taken apart and cleaned? or, can a better connection be made inside? or just leave it alone. I haven't read of any one doing this or even taking a Ohm test to check it out, before spending the money. I've read all the evaluable post on this subject.

just curious mind.



Marv.

 

[LLiddell]

Marv, I took the switch apart and you will end up with a hand full of parts. There are three barrel shaped contacts that ride on copper traces that will fall out. They go back in easy. Down lower there are two ball bearings that ride on a spring. The balls ride in detent and make the switch drop out of fogs when you try to turn on the head lights. Those go back fairly easy, depending on the size of your fingers. The problem we're having with the fog lights failing is the contacts on the end of the nylon center post of the light switch. The contacts are very small and make contact when you pull the center post out to the fog position. I came up with afew ideas for a fix but there is very little room and I think I'm going to just install a manual switch. To me a new factory switch would be a waste of money after seeing the quality of the one I have. Good Luck

 

[MLee]

LLiddel;

thanks, i don't have the fogs, but the black of nite has started between the high and low beams, when switching, and was wondering if there was another way to get around the purchase of another switch. guess that i'll have to part with the $$.

thanks any way.

Marv.

 

[LLiddell]

I misunderstood, sorry Marv. I can't help with the head light switch yet. I have to pull my steering column apart also! It sounds like loose wires to me. My lights don't do it everytime, only at the wrong times.

 

[MLee]

well, i believe that my head lite switch is OK, just the multifunction switch has a mind of its own. I can move the column up and down when they go out (sitting still) and they don't flicker, or come back on and the same when they are on, they don't flicker. so was wondering if lack of use plays a big part in this GLITCH. my nite driving with the truck is very low. except when traveling and it's my only source of transportation. Maybe a good idea, also mentioned here to check all grounds.



other wise I LOVE MY TRUCK !!!!!!!!

Marv.

 

[JTBMC]

My Fogs just quit the other night also, and was wondering if some one could post the how too's of wiring a seperate fog switch for trucks with factory fog lamps.

Thanks TJ

 

[LLiddell]

I am going to use a very small switch and try to use the face on the factory switch. I'm just going to tap the two fog wires behind switch that feed the fog portion of switch. It's the small two wire connection. It's just activating a relay and I don't think the switch needs to be heavy duty as it will not see the amperage.

 

[MLee]

torkx bits

DJBOBO;

did you find the bits yet? my son got mine for me when he worked for NA PA. so they have them. all sizes plus an adapter for quarter inch driver.



Marv.

 

[djbobo]

Marv



It seams I can get these so called "security " torx almost anywhere. It kinda takes away from the ole' security issue duddnnut? I found em at sears myself. I think you should be able to get 10% off if you can prove you did time in the slammer for breaking an entering or something. "Sir mayI help you?" Yes I'm looking for your security tork drivers. "You'll find them in isle 9 between the pirating softwear and the universal lock pic sets. "



later Marv



dj

 

[illflem]

The security torx aren't really to keep things secure but rather to keep the unqualified common hand tool guy from digging to parts of a vehicle that they might flub up.

 

[djbobo]

Oh oh , now I have a set.



dj

 

[MLee]

don't know if this will help

as stated, i don't know if this will help you.

i pulled my muti-function switch, separated it from the wiring harness and checked the ohm readings many times, hi and low, always got a reading. did not do a check on the wire end battery disconnected. undone the the tape holding the wires together, checked for broken wires, none. after much checking like this, toke a little DI-Lectric grease and put in "windows" where you can see the contacts moving, all three, and re-greased where the pins slide into the the harness, made sure of good contact of wires, reinstalled the plug and keeper, re-taped wires, remounted to steering column. has been working for me, no failure------yet.

I check the lites when i can get a Reflection.



sorry about the length.



Marv.

 

[hammersley]

ILLFLEM is RIGHT ON

Send in that NHSTA report that ILLFLEM gave us - I did. THIS is something we ALL MUST DO! Please do us a favor and send this in. BTW - How much does ths multi function switch cost? ALSO - have they upgraded it are you just buying another piece of junk! If All else fails - why don't we just hardwire some switches that will get around this - UNLESS the new switch is OK.