Headlamps (high and low beam) stopped working why?

Hello, I'm Danny.

It sounds like you might be having an issue with a faulty headlight switch. I've attached picture steps below on how to remove and replace the headlight switch on your truck. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Went to the QT and when I pulled up I noticed the headlights weren't on, only the fog lights. I don't know how long I've been driving without headlights. I rarely drive at night, only from work 2.6 miles. I did notice last week or two ago, that the speedometer light at the top (45-55 mph) was out. I thought maybe that was a fuse?

It is unlikely that this is a fuse issue but we need to check voltage at the multifunction switch to see if the lights are being commanded on. I attached the wiring diagram below for your review.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Also, I suspect this is a switch issue so I suspect we need to replace it and I attached the info below on how to do this.

Please let us know if you have questions on this. Thanks

I'm working on my friends Ford Ranger, mileage unknown. All the exterior lights work accept the high beams. When using the turn signals and the 4-ways, only the rear ones work. The front ones don't come on. When the running lights are on, the front amber's come on, but don't flash. Any insight to these problems?

More than likely this is the multi-function switch. If you look at the wiring diagram, both the hazards and high beams run through the switch. It is odd that only the front hazards don't work but again this is the only thing that makes sense for both of these to not work. I included the test to proved this out because there is always a chance that you have two separate issues. However, I would track this down first or just go ahead and replace it as they are not that expensive.

After about a month of my truck sitting buried in the snow. I started it. The headlights didn't work. the local AutoZone suggester a new switch. Replace the old one but still no headlights. Any Ideas ?

Couple questions. First does the high beam indicator work as well? If it does then I suspect we have an issue with the multifunction switch. The way this works is when you turn the switch to the low beams, it puts power through on the two circuits that I circled below.

Then when you switch to high beams, the switch actually changes to a different circuit internally and controls the voltage through on the same circuits. So if both low beams are not working then I would replace the switch and go from there.

Here is a video that will help with replacing this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxE9ukmE8B4

Let us know if there are questions.

Regular headlights do not turn on, but yes when I do the high beams that works and hi beam indicator does turn on as well.

Okay. Then assuming you have the same 1999 Ranger, I am confident that the switch is the issue. Here is that video again on how to replace it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxE9ukmE8B4

Let us know how you make out. Thanks

Yes.. 1999 Ford Ranger 2 wheel, 6 cylinder 3.0, standard. 325,000 miles original motor transmission . Still has a lot of power. Darn good truck. Best vehicle I ever owned.

Sounds great. They are a good truck. Let us know if you have other questions and feel free to get a new post of your own started if needed.

Thanks

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new

When i turn my high beams on my lights shut off, i have switched all bulbs and fuses and have even changed the relay and combination switch. Still nothing has worked, any suggestions?

I had same problem with my 96 ranger I fixed it check # 33 fuse panel next to door, my fuse was bad. I was dumb I repaced the switch and turn signal switch and Relays nothing then I pulled all the fuses, then I found # 33 was bad.bingo that fix it.

Great addition to this thread! Please feel free to help out whenever you are on the site :)

Cheers, Ken

Have high beams, blinkers and marker lights - no headlights - bulbs are good, fuses are good, changed the relay - Any suggestions?
Thanks!

Hello, I'm Danny
It sounds like you might be having an issue with a faulty headlight switch. I've attached picture steps below on how to remove and replace the headlight switch on your Ranger. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

I have no low beam headlights, I have changed the Multi-Fuction Switch thats located on the column & also the Main Light Switch in the dash. The red/yellow wire is geting hot at the Main Light Switch connection. I really don't know what else to check.

Thanks For Your Help Advance, David

Hi David,

Thank you for the donation.

When light switch is turned on, the Red/Black wire must be HOT, if not the switch is faulty.

If Red/Black is HOT, check fuse # 4 and # 8 ( 10 A fuse in underdash fuse box).

At the headlights if there is voltage to the White/Light Green and Dark Green/Light Green wires, the bulbs are bad.

Thanks for the replay, All Lights or working now. there was a fuse missing in slot 33 fuse box.
The only problem I'm having now is the Red/yellow wire going to the Light Switch will start getting hot after a few minutes when the lights or on. I have noticed that the Red/yellow wire at the pig tail going to the Light Switch the insulation has melted off (1/2").
Thanks for your help! David

Fuse 33 is for the high beams.

When wires age, they tend to have higher resistance and this would result in them heating up. Ensure the wires clamped onto the terminals are tight and if the wire is old, you might have to consider replacing it. Ensure the terminals are tigh as well, a loose fitting would cause heat to build up.

One way of overcoming overheating of the headlight circuit and and prolonging the light switch life span is to install a relay and let it handle the high wattage rather than letting the high wattage go pass the light switch and wirings.

No headlights at all, is there a relay or fuse. were are they

check fuses #4 and #8 in underdash fuse box

Check fuse no.11 20amp and test the multi function switch

Thanks everyone, it was the headlight switch

Headlights don't come on, hazards and turn signals are fine. Fuse not blown. What could be wrong? Could it have anything to do with my screwdriver ignition? The key setting is turned to on though.

Check the brown wire out of the headlight switch for 12 volts, also verify that grounds are good at the bulb sockets. I'll include the wire diagram to help you with this. Your screwdriver ignition shouldn't have anything to do with this because this circuit's fuse is hot at all times.

I have a ford ranger that the low beams don't work yet I have put new bulbs in the truck. Is there a switch that need to be replaced or a fuse? I have expended all my options and these are the only two things that I can figure are the problem. Except for this problem the truck is wonderful! Got any ideas or suggestions that I may have over looked?

check fuse #17 in underhood fuse/relay box daytime running lights 15 amp