QuestionQUESTION: Hi Roland,
A couple years ago you supplied this answer (see below) to a person whose headlights weren't working. I believe I have the same issue. Would it be possible to have the instructions you mentioned in your answer emailed to me?
I was motivated by your "do it yourslef" response and thought I might try it and save some money.
Any advise would be greatly appriciated!
Thank you!
Lynette
Hi Lynne,
No, I don't recall getting a response from Bill nor do I see a follow-up qiestion from him. And even so, his fix may not be the same as yours.
But having re-read the q&a and looked again at the circuit I feel that it either has to be at the multi-function stalk switch or in the dash mounted headlamp switch that you have your problem. I suspect it would be easier to test for whether 12V is getting to the stalk switch than to remove the headlamp switch from which the 12V comes. But on the other hand, it is more likely that the headlamp switch is the cause of your problem because it does have that circuit breaker which may need to be reset or replaced in order to generate that 12V to the stalk. In either case you would need some instruction as to how to get to the contacts for either switch to test for voltage with a simple neon glow lamp or a voltmeter. I can xerox and US mail the pages to you so you can see how to do it or a helper could do it themself.
I think this is a pretty ideal do-it-yourself job. Let me know if you want these pages.
Roland
PS I'm impressed that you found the earlier question as its subject was merely described as "headlights".
ANSWER: Hi Lynette,
Yes, use a 'private' option follow-up to tell me a mailing address. But first please describe the specific problems with the headlamps. Is it both the low and high beams? Does the optical horn work (flashing the headlights momentarily)? Anything else about the history of this problem?
I may be able to suggest something before getting into the copying. Also, tell me whether there are two bulbs side by side or a single wide halogen type of bulb, the size of engine (L), and are there headlamp doors that conceal them, and I assume this is a vehicle that was first sold in the US, rather than Canada, correct?
Roland
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Roland,
It is the low and high beams that do not work. If I flash the highbeams the highbeams will work but will not stay on once released. No other history for this problem I just got in the car and they stopped working. I believe it is a single bulb the size of the engine (I think) is 3.3L and is a V6. I am not sure what you mean by headlamp doors. I also assume that this was first sold in the US.
Thank you!
AnswerHi Lynette,
I would suggest that you go to the headlamp switch and check for voltages so as to determine if the switch has failed. You remove the bezel that surrounds that switch and the instrument cluser by gently prying around the edge of it with a soft stick or similar tool so that the bezel releases from the spring-loaded fasteners that retain it in place. The remove the 4 screws that surround the headlamp and accessory switch module and pull out the module. On the rear of the headlamp switch you will find a multiprong plug. The red/white wire on pin B1 should show 12v to be present. Then when you pull the knob to the headlamp position you should find 12v at the light green wire on pin H. If not, then either the internal circuit breaker has failed to reset or the switch contacts inside are oxidized. You coult try spraying some electrical contact cleaner from an electronics store into the interior of the switch via any holes or cracks in the body of the switch. If that doesn't produce 12v on H then a new/used switch is needed. A wrecking yard would be a good place to find it if not available new.
Let me know what you find.
Roland
PS Please rate my answer, and where you see the question about a nomination for 'volunteer of the month' consider a 'yes' response. Thank you
