Headlights - both low and high bean

[hunteje]

All of a sudden my headlights - both low and high beams stopped working. When I pull back on the high beam lever to flash the high beams they work. However, just switching on the normal headlights does not cause them to come on. Similarly, when I push on the high beam lever to keep the high beams on, I get no high beams.

I checked the fuses and they all look OK. Any ideas on where to go next.

Thanks,

Jim

[Stefan]

This could be a sign of the electrical portion of the ignition switch going bad. If you turn on the headlight switch and jiggle the key, do the headlights flicker (or go on)?

[wvicary]

The headlight switch is known to be a problem also.

[RFM]

Hi

Replace the headlight switch.

[freedom195]

hello, I was hoping someone could help. I have a 996 2003. Recently the low beams stopped working and then I noticed that the high beams also don't turn on. 

Low beams - I rotate the headlight switch - the parking lights come on, but when I rotate to next position (low beam position) the low beams do not come on.

High beams - I use the stalk lever to turn on high beams. Pushing it forward, it clicks into position, but the high beams do not come on. I pull it backwards (temporary position) and the high beams DO come on.

I checked the fuses and they are all okay. I checked the voltage at the fuse - for low beams, I do not see any voltage at the fuse when I turn the light switch on. For the high beams, I do not see any voltage at the fuse when I turn the stalk/lever to high beam position (but I do see voltage there when I pull the stalk/lever to the temporary high beam position).

I think it is the switch, but that would mean BOTH the headlight switch and the stalk/lever are bad?

I saw the message about cleaning/bending the stalk/lever switch to maybe fix the stalk/lever problem. Do I have to remove the steering wheel if I am just trying to clean the switch or can I get access without removing the steering wheel.

Thanks for any help you can give me

[Loren]

The headlight switch wears out.

Replace it and your light problems will all likely be solved.

[freedom195]

Thanks very much Loren. I suspect it is the headlight switch. But why do the hi beams not work? Do they even use the headlight switch? I thought they are only controlled by the stalk/lever on the steering column?

 

Do you know if  I have to remove the steering wheel if I am just trying to clean the stalk/lever switch or can I get access without removing the steering wheel.

[jaekormtb]

Same thing happened. I pulled the headlight switch, shot a ton of electrical contact cleaner through it and let it dry. Lights worked properly afterwards. 

[freedom195]

Thanks jaekormtb - but did you have the same problem with the hi beams not working also? I have problem with both hi beams and low beams.

[jaekormtb]

Yeah, I'd hit the lights and nothing worked. For a bit, when the lows worked and I'd hit the highs it would kill everything except the fogs on low.... Not good! Before cleaning, sometimes if the lows didn't work, I'd flip on and off and eventually they a would come on. 

[royp4]

I had the same problem. Turned out the ignition switch was worn out and had to be replaced. Fairly easy DIY

[freedom195]

I ended up pulling out the light switch and spraying it with contact cleaner. Both the low beams and high beams now work. I think I may still replace the light switch, but working now.