2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Weird headlight problem, looking for suggestions.

[TFabian]

Problem happened a couple of times over the last week. Started my truck, no low or high beams. All of the parking/running lights are on. Turning the light switch on and off didn't make any difference, neither did operating the multi-function switch. The first time, the headlights came on after several minutes. Tonight they wouldn't come back on after several minutes.

I was looking through the owners manual for the headlight fuse location thinking that it blew when I noticed that the headlight and brake lights are on the same fuse. I went to check the brake lights and as soon as I stepped on the pedal, the headlights came on. After that I turned the lights on and off with no problems. Any ideas on where to start looking for the culprit? I work second shift and need to be able to drive at night. Just waiting for the headlights to not come back on. Is there a common relay to the brake and headlights? I did search through a lot of older threads but didn't see anything like this. Thanks in advance.

 

[DonFitzwater]

My first guess would be to check grounds

 

[av8r]

Second suggestion (I had this problem with my 94) check the headlight switch itself.

Mine was all burned and melted. I noticed a funny smell in the truck that lead me to the headlight switch.

 

[budnate]

that's a weird one, I would pull the brake switch and get a bunch of wd-40 or your favorite lube inside it and cycle the heck out of it in your fingers and slam it back in for starters and see how it goes,

the headlight switch are a pita for us guys causing weird problems, rock auto sells them for like 12 bucks if you have not done yours recently they are a good maintenance item to change out.

 

[TFabian]

Thank for the suggestions. Need to spend some time digging through wiring diagrams to see where the brake light and headlight circuits are common. Having the headlights come on after hitting the brakes threw me for a loop. Will probably swap out the headlight switch as a precaution since it is the original.

 

[champspa]

dealer replaced my headlight switch on a recall , years ago .

 

[TFabian]

Finally warm enough to work on the truck today, 15 degrees LOL. Replaced the headlight switch this afternoon. So far, working like it should, but it had been intermittent before. I'll update this thread if the problem is resolved in a couple of weeks.

 

[TFabian]

Ok. Been a couple of weeks and several hundred miles and problem has not resurfaced since replacing the headlight switch. Still don't know why the headlights would come on when the brake pedal was pushed. Thought I'd update this for future reference if anyone else has this problem.