Need some help. Electrical/ headlight problem

[draftpick1005]

Two weeks ago I started having problems with my headlights in my 2003 F-150. They would not come on right away when I turned them on. At first they would come after a couples minutes, both of them. All the other lights work fine. This went on for a couple days and I checked the fuses they looked fine and so I changed the switch out. Lights worked for almost 2 weeks then it started again, with the delay in coming on. Now the headlights wont come on at all. What is also wierd is if I pull back on the turn signal to flash my high beams, the high beams come on! But if I push the turn signal forward to lock the high beams on, they don't work. Strange. Not sure what the problem is and it's hard for me to think my switch is bad again? Any suggestions?

 

[frank1380]

I had essentially the same problem. It was the turn signal/high beam switch assembly that was causing it.

 

[draftpick1005]

I had essentially the same problem. It was the turn signal/high beam switch assembly that was causing it.

How does that interfear with the headlights and what all did you change out?

 

[frank1380]

How does that interfear with the headlights and what all did you change out?

I do not know the details. I had similar symptoms to the ones you described. I took it to the dealership since my it was still covered under an extended warranty I got with the truck. They replaced the turn signal switch and it's been fine for around 11 years now.

 

[Steevo]

The reason there is a relationship between the turn/hi-lo switch and the headlights is because some states have a law that says you cannot have both the low beams and the high beams on at the same time. This means that for the "passing lights" which is high beam flash when you pull the lever, or when locking on high-beams, they must also break the low-beam circuit. Sounds like that is precisely where the issue is.

 

[draftpick1005]

The reason there is a relationship between the turn/hi-lo switch and the headlights is because some states have a law that says you cannot have both the low beams and the high beams on at the same time. This means that for the "passing lights" which is high beam flash when you pull the lever, or when locking on high-beams, they must also break the low-beam circuit. Sounds like that is precisely where the issue is.

Good info. Never changed one, what might be involved in changing out that? Is there a relay or something in the arm?

 

[ddawg16]

Headlights typically do not go through fuses...they have their own circuit breaker.....

Ever see a car at night that looks like the driver is going down the road and flashing the head lights? Good chance it's the circuit breaker.

Sounds like you have a partial short somewhere.

 

[gayler]

Sounds like the multifunction switch to me. It's very easy to change out. Take the trim cover off the stearing column. The switch will be held on with two torks screws and will have two electrical plugs.

 

[1950ChevySuburban]

Don't overlook the GEM module, or BCM if it has one. That's what controls the lighting functions, and they commonly fail.

 

[LB-1911]

Go over to www.ford-trucks.com -plenty of folk's been there done that.

 

[I void warranties]

Sounds like the multifunction switch to me. It's very easy to change out. Take the trim cover off the stearing column. The switch will be held on with two torks screws and will have two electrical plugs.

thats your answer, you probally will see the 12v feed wire has burnt the plug that goes into the multifunction switch, you may need a new pigtail plug end.