Chrysler Repair: 98 Sebring Convertible: low beams dont work, fog light switch, fog lamps

Question
For the past few weeks, the dashboard lights have been going off for a while at night and then they come back on then back off again.  The radio lights stay on during the whole time.  Now, my headlights aren't working at all but my parking lights, bright lights, and fog lights do.  I, as a single mom, can't drive around Atlanta with my bright lights or fog lights on and not have some sort of road rage to occur.  Do you have any suggestions I might can try?  It's constantly having problems which has caused me to put a lot of money into it to have a way to work and I am sick and tired of not having a dependable means of transportation.  Please advise!!

Answer
Hi Steph,
The fact that the fog lamps work shows to me that the multi-function switch on the steering column is ok because when you have the switch set for low beams that provides power also to the fog light switch via the fuse (#13)that also is responsible for lighting the right side headlamp low beam, so that means there should also be power to the low beam, at least on the right bulb. The left side low beam is powered by fuse #12. So I would suggest that you take a look at fuse 12 and fuse 13 (though it should be good if you have fog lamps) that are in the fuse box under the dash on the driver side. If those fuses are ok, then I would have to believe that by chance both low beam filaments on your headlamps are burned out. If the fogs are not working either then that multifunction switch is the problem.
So let me know what you find as regards the fuses. And if you have a voltmeter or a simple test light check to verify that the two fuses receive 12V when the headlamp low beams are supposed to be "on". If they are then it has to be the filaments are burned out. I think we can solve this without the dealer getting involved.
Roland
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