Headlight relay

[underdog1924]

The other moring when I was going to work my headlights were on but after a few minutes I began to smell something that smelled like burning plastic. When I got out I noticed that my headlights weren't on anymore. Tonight I didn't have any low beams but when I pull the stalk towards me to try the highs they work. When I pushed the stalk to keep them on without holding the stalk they didn't come on at all. So I ended up driving home holding the stalk with my highs on. What do you guys think is the problem? I talked to SHO91MTX about it briefly and he thinks it may be a relay because of the burning plastic smell. If it is, where is the relay located, how hard is it to replace, and what price am I looking at? Thanks guys

 

[LaTechSHO]

its sad to say....but more than likely it is not the relay.... nine times out of ten with this problem..... it is the headlight switch..and what you smelled is the plastic connector melting

pull the headlight switch out and inspect the contacts...

Louis

 

[underdog1924]

Where is the switch and how do I get to it? I know that if I need to uncover the steering column I'm going to have a problem because the person who owned the car before me stripped the screws pretty well.

 

[underdog1924]

Is the headlight switch and multifunction switch the same thing? I can find the headlight switch all over the place, but nothing comes up for the multifunction. If they are different, where can I find the multifunction?

 

[LaTechSHO]

a multifunction switch is the one that you use to turn the signal flashers on with and the one that you go from brights to normal headlights with... the headlight switch is the one that you use to turn the headlights on and off with

should be top left hand side of the dash....

Louis

 

[underdog1924]

Do I need to take off the dash to get to it? Also I never use that switch, I use the autolights. Does that make a difference?

 

[underdog1924]

I was able to pull the cover off the steering column enough to see that everything inside looks like it just came off the production line. No scorching or lingering smells to be seen or smelled. So I guess that leaves the headlight switch. I have a bad feeling that I need to take off the dash to get to it. Unfortunately I have no idea how to do it. squint

 

[DougLee25]

Sorry to say, but it's still probably your multifunction switch. If you take out the two phillips screws, the switch drops out. Pull out all the connectors, and more than likely, you will find one of them to be melted. It could still be the headlight switch though. I personally would replace both at the same time. I replaced the multifunction switch and not the headlight switch, only to have the multifunction switch melt again. I found out that the two circuits are connected, and here the headlight switch was failing as well. Go to a junkyard and buy a multifunction and headlight switch for 5 bucks a piece.

Doug

 

[SHOZ123]

It's thr switch in the dash dude. I think there was a recall on them. Easy to replace.

 

[underdog1924]

I checked both switched tonight. The headlight switch seemed to be ok and smelled all right. The multifunction switch looked ok, but when you smelled it, it had a small scent of burnt stuff in it. So I think tomorrow I'll head to a junkyard and find a multifunction switch. One question though, are the multifunction switches for the SHO and SLO the same? That would help alot if I can't find a SHO. Thanks for all your help guys.

 

[underdog1924]

Is the turn signal switch the same as the multifunction switch?

Here's the part:
http://www3.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?UseCase=C001&UserAction=performSearch&Parameters=Auto+Store%7C%7EREGULAR+PARTS+LOOK+UP%7C%7ETURN+SIGNAL+SWITCH

 

[LaTechSHO]

turn signal switch is an integral part of the multifunction switch....

if it isn't expensive... i'd recommend replacing both switches.... i had the same problem in a t-bird... and there was a buildup on the headlight switch that created too much resistance which burned out the multifunction twice before i just did them both and solved the problem...

 

[SHOZ123]

The best solution is a 100w headlight relay set-up. They aren't very expensive and easy to put in. Your lights will be brighter too.

 

[underdog1924]

QUOTE: The best solution is a 100w headlight relay set-up. They aren't very expensive and easy to put in. Your lights will be brighter too.


I have PIAA Super White bulbs in right now. That wouldn't have affected the switches or anything right?