high beams
mp0128
10-18-2005, 08:55 PM
hello, i have a problem with my high beam headlights. When i turn the high beams on, the indicator in the car comes on that they are on, but my headlights arent on..at all, im driving in darkness. regular headlights do work...what could have caused this problem and how do i fix it? thank you
mwt878991
10-19-2005, 06:04 AM
When asking for help you really need to tell what car you have.
There are several common car specific problems that have quick fixes if we know what you have.
Mike
:smokin:
There are several common car specific problems that have quick fixes if we know what you have.
Mike
:smokin:
mp0128
10-19-2005, 08:17 AM
sorry its a 2002 taurus ses
denisb
10-19-2005, 10:48 AM
Sorry, but I've got to ask. Did you replace the lightbulbs.
Denis
Denis
KimMG
10-19-2005, 11:44 PM
The stalk switch is also a common problem.
mp0128
10-20-2005, 07:42 PM
whats a stalk switch?
KimMG
10-21-2005, 05:09 PM
The stalk switch is the column switch. Check to see if you are getting power to the bulbs.
mp0128
11-21-2005, 08:48 PM
I have a 2002 Taurus SES, for the past month or so i havent had any high beams. The bulbs have not blown, so they dont need replaced, I took it to a mechanic he replaced the switch, but cant figure out the gem? How does this problem get resolved?
TomV
11-22-2005, 10:50 PM
hello, i have a problem with my high beam headlights. When i turn the high beams on, the indicator in the car comes on that they are on, but my headlights arent on..at all, im driving in darkness. regular headlights do work...what could have caused this problem and how do i fix it? thank you
The High Beam Indicator will indicate the HI Beam lamps are on if power is coming from the fuse that comes after the Multi-Function stalk switch. Therefore replacing the switch with the symptom you describe was not one I would have recommended.
You have either 2 faulty bulbs or the wiring from the fuse to them is bad. My 97 schematic shows a 15 amp Fuse #30 for the high beams, but yours is probably differerent, though it may be labeled as High Beams.
The High Beam Indicator will indicate the HI Beam lamps are on if power is coming from the fuse that comes after the Multi-Function stalk switch. Therefore replacing the switch with the symptom you describe was not one I would have recommended.
You have either 2 faulty bulbs or the wiring from the fuse to them is bad. My 97 schematic shows a 15 amp Fuse #30 for the high beams, but yours is probably differerent, though it may be labeled as High Beams.
shorod
11-23-2005, 04:01 PM
I have a 2002 Taurus SES, for the past month or so i havent had any high beams. The bulbs have not blown, so they dont need replaced, I took it to a mechanic he replaced the switch, but cant figure out the gem? How does this problem get resolved?
For the 2002, it appears that there is a fuse in the Battery Junction Box for each headlight independently, one for the right side and one for the left side. The fuses provide power to both the high and low beams.
The high beam indicator has battery voltage all the time through a 15 amp fuse in the central junction box, the ground is controlled by the switches. So, if the switches are set for high beams, the indicator comes on.
Have you checked for voltage at the headlight sockets? Maybe the wiring or connections are melted, corroded, or open at the headlights. If you have voltage at the headlight socket, use a test light or other larger current device to ensure that the wiring and connections are good. If you have a corroded connection somewhere, a high-impedance digital multi-meter (DMM) may read what appears to be battery voltage, however, the corrosion will cause enough resistance under high current draw that a headlight won't light.
-Rod
For the 2002, it appears that there is a fuse in the Battery Junction Box for each headlight independently, one for the right side and one for the left side. The fuses provide power to both the high and low beams.
The high beam indicator has battery voltage all the time through a 15 amp fuse in the central junction box, the ground is controlled by the switches. So, if the switches are set for high beams, the indicator comes on.
Have you checked for voltage at the headlight sockets? Maybe the wiring or connections are melted, corroded, or open at the headlights. If you have voltage at the headlight socket, use a test light or other larger current device to ensure that the wiring and connections are good. If you have a corroded connection somewhere, a high-impedance digital multi-meter (DMM) may read what appears to be battery voltage, however, the corrosion will cause enough resistance under high current draw that a headlight won't light.
-Rod
giddyup50
11-23-2005, 06:22 PM
When you say your mech. changed the switch, what switch did he change out? Was it the multi-function switch. That controls you turn signals, hazards, brights, and wipers. It's inside your steering column.
Also, listen to Shorod, he knows his stuff!
I think he has diagrams for even the space shuttle!
Also, listen to Shorod, he knows his stuff!
I think he has diagrams for even the space shuttle!
mp0128
11-23-2005, 09:22 PM
he replaced the multi switch
mp0128
11-23-2005, 09:26 PM
how much do you think it will cost to get fixed?
shorod
11-24-2005, 12:29 AM
Also, listen to Shorod, he knows his stuff!
I think he has diagrams for even the space shuttle!
Thanks for the nice comment! I don't have diagrams for the space shuttle, but I do work with and have schematics for some other products that go into space. ;)
-Rod
I think he has diagrams for even the space shuttle!
Thanks for the nice comment! I don't have diagrams for the space shuttle, but I do work with and have schematics for some other products that go into space. ;)
-Rod
mp0128
12-07-2005, 09:42 PM
Thanks for the nice comment! I don't have diagrams for the space shuttle, but I do work with and have schematics for some other products that go into space. ;)
-Rod
I finally got my high beams to work. it was the switch plus a wire was broken. high beams seem to work fine. but small problem is my indicator light in the car doesnt come on when i turn the high beams on. did they not hook it up right? how do i fix this issue. when i took my car to the dealership to get fixed the indicator light was coming on but the lights werent.
-Rod
I finally got my high beams to work. it was the switch plus a wire was broken. high beams seem to work fine. but small problem is my indicator light in the car doesnt come on when i turn the high beams on. did they not hook it up right? how do i fix this issue. when i took my car to the dealership to get fixed the indicator light was coming on but the lights werent.
shorod
12-10-2005, 11:18 PM
I finally got my high beams to work. it was the switch plus a wire was broken. high beams seem to work fine. but small problem is my indicator light in the car doesnt come on when i turn the high beams on. did they not hook it up right? how do i fix this issue. when i took my car to the dealership to get fixed the indicator light was coming on but the lights werent.
Did the dealership do the repair? If so, take it back to them. If they charged you for the repair, they didn't do something right and should stand behind their work.
Of course there is always the chance they'll, umm, find the problem was caused by something else totally unrelated and it was purely a coincidence that the indicator stopped working during the time the car was in their possession. I don't see how that would be the case though.
-Rod
Did the dealership do the repair? If so, take it back to them. If they charged you for the repair, they didn't do something right and should stand behind their work.
Of course there is always the chance they'll, umm, find the problem was caused by something else totally unrelated and it was purely a coincidence that the indicator stopped working during the time the car was in their possession. I don't see how that would be the case though.
-Rod
mp0128
12-12-2005, 08:19 PM
yes the dealership did the repair. yes they did charge me a deductible of $100 because it was covered under my extended service plan warranty. they shouldnt charge me again to fix the indicator light...right?
shorod
12-12-2005, 09:53 PM
yes the dealership did the repair. yes they did charge me a deductible of $100 because it was covered under my extended service plan warranty. they shouldnt charge me again to fix the indicator light...right?
Right, since the indicator worked when you took the car in, they should not charge you again to repair something that evidently was overlooked during the repair. If they try to, ask to speak to the service manager. If they claim the indicator failing to work was just coincidence and is caused by something unrelated, ask them to show you the broken part and to explain how it is related to the multifunction switch (or whichever switch they replaced).
Hopefully they'll agree that something isn't right and find a simple connection they overlooked and have you back on the road quickly.
Good luck!
-Rod
Right, since the indicator worked when you took the car in, they should not charge you again to repair something that evidently was overlooked during the repair. If they try to, ask to speak to the service manager. If they claim the indicator failing to work was just coincidence and is caused by something unrelated, ask them to show you the broken part and to explain how it is related to the multifunction switch (or whichever switch they replaced).
Hopefully they'll agree that something isn't right and find a simple connection they overlooked and have you back on the road quickly.
Good luck!
-Rod
mp0128
12-13-2005, 08:54 PM
All is fixed now :) they didnt charge me anything. Guess they found another broken wire behind the dash board. thanks everyone for your replies. i appreciate it.
tmo1983
12-27-2005, 09:59 PM
I have the opposite problem in my '91 Taurus L...my high beams work fine (indicator light and everything)...my regular beams rarely come on...Loose wire or something??
shorod
12-28-2005, 12:39 AM
I'd suspect a bad connection in the multi-function switch.
-Rod
-Rod
giddyup50
12-28-2005, 06:24 PM
I'd suspect a bad connection in the multi-function switch.
-Rod
OH NO, HERE WE GO AGAIN!!
Check ALL of your fuses and relays FIRST!! All and any fuses that have ANYTHING to do with the headlights, lows or highs or running lights. My highs were stuck on lows came on and off fine but highs were always on and never went off unless i disconnected the battery. I changed the multi-function switch because that is the common problem and that's what everyone else said. After I changed it the highs were still on. I called a shop that works only on electrical problems and they told me to check EVERY FUSE AND RELAY NOT JUST THE HIGHS FUSE AND WHEN I PULLED THE FUSE THEY WENT OUT. Sure there is some other problem behind the fuse but now my lows and highs work fine. The fuse I pulled was for the daytime running lights. So no big deal. I can turn the lights on when I need to.
STILL YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO SHOROD HE DOES KNOW HIS STUFF!!
-Rod
OH NO, HERE WE GO AGAIN!!
Check ALL of your fuses and relays FIRST!! All and any fuses that have ANYTHING to do with the headlights, lows or highs or running lights. My highs were stuck on lows came on and off fine but highs were always on and never went off unless i disconnected the battery. I changed the multi-function switch because that is the common problem and that's what everyone else said. After I changed it the highs were still on. I called a shop that works only on electrical problems and they told me to check EVERY FUSE AND RELAY NOT JUST THE HIGHS FUSE AND WHEN I PULLED THE FUSE THEY WENT OUT. Sure there is some other problem behind the fuse but now my lows and highs work fine. The fuse I pulled was for the daytime running lights. So no big deal. I can turn the lights on when I need to.
STILL YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO SHOROD HE DOES KNOW HIS STUFF!!
98TaurusSE_Jim
11-14-2006, 06:51 PM
OH NO, HERE WE GO AGAIN!!
Check ALL of your fuses and relays FIRST!! All and any fuses that have ANYTHING to do with the headlights, lows or highs or running lights. My highs were stuck on lows came on and off fine but highs were always on and never went off unless i disconnected the battery. I changed the multi-function switch because that is the common problem and that's what everyone else said. After I changed it the highs were still on. I called a shop that works only on electrical problems and they told me to check EVERY FUSE AND RELAY NOT JUST THE HIGHS FUSE AND WHEN I PULLED THE FUSE THEY WENT OUT. Sure there is some other problem behind the fuse but now my lows and highs work fine. The fuse I pulled was for the daytime running lights. So no big deal. I can turn the lights on when I need to.
STILL YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO SHOROD HE DOES KNOW HIS STUFF!!
Hi,
Just read your post about the high-beam issue...I thought I was going nuts 'till I saw it : - ) My 98 Taurus SE has the exact same problem...ALL my time is consumed w/ a dog I recenlty rescued...please help me save time by telling me where the daytime running-light fuse is located (don't have a manual). ..is it under the hood? I don't care if I don't have day-time lights as long as the highbeams go off without me disconnecting the battery every-time I park my car! Regards Jim A. (609) 932-4702
Check ALL of your fuses and relays FIRST!! All and any fuses that have ANYTHING to do with the headlights, lows or highs or running lights. My highs were stuck on lows came on and off fine but highs were always on and never went off unless i disconnected the battery. I changed the multi-function switch because that is the common problem and that's what everyone else said. After I changed it the highs were still on. I called a shop that works only on electrical problems and they told me to check EVERY FUSE AND RELAY NOT JUST THE HIGHS FUSE AND WHEN I PULLED THE FUSE THEY WENT OUT. Sure there is some other problem behind the fuse but now my lows and highs work fine. The fuse I pulled was for the daytime running lights. So no big deal. I can turn the lights on when I need to.
STILL YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO SHOROD HE DOES KNOW HIS STUFF!!
Hi,
Just read your post about the high-beam issue...I thought I was going nuts 'till I saw it : - ) My 98 Taurus SE has the exact same problem...ALL my time is consumed w/ a dog I recenlty rescued...please help me save time by telling me where the daytime running-light fuse is located (don't have a manual). ..is it under the hood? I don't care if I don't have day-time lights as long as the highbeams go off without me disconnecting the battery every-time I park my car! Regards Jim A. (609) 932-4702
shorod
11-14-2006, 09:10 PM
Welcome to the forum!
Because this topic has been addressed SOOOO many times, I'm going to direct you to the wonderful "Search this forum" feature. I searched the forum for the word "daytime" and got 29 hits, at least a couple are even specific to the 1998 model year.
-Rod
Because this topic has been addressed SOOOO many times, I'm going to direct you to the wonderful "Search this forum" feature. I searched the forum for the word "daytime" and got 29 hits, at least a couple are even specific to the 1998 model year.
-Rod
MyTaurus8AChevy
11-14-2006, 09:20 PM
ALL my time is consumed w/ a dog I recenlty rescued...please help me save time by telling me where the daytime running-light fuse is located
First of all THANK YOU for rescuing the dog :grinyes:
The daytime running-light fuse is located at fuse #37 (25 amp). Ours is a 2004 so it might be different but the amperage should still be the same. It's the same as the flash-to-pass fuse. BTW, you can get a manual for your car at Helms.com for around 15 bucks :)
I've posted a picture of the fuse locations for you below.
http://www.webdressing.com/pics/fuse.gif
First of all THANK YOU for rescuing the dog :grinyes:
The daytime running-light fuse is located at fuse #37 (25 amp). Ours is a 2004 so it might be different but the amperage should still be the same. It's the same as the flash-to-pass fuse. BTW, you can get a manual for your car at Helms.com for around 15 bucks :)
I've posted a picture of the fuse locations for you below.
http://www.webdressing.com/pics/fuse.gif
98TaurusSE_Jim
11-15-2006, 10:16 PM
MUCH appreciate all the info & the diagram. Last-night I had the engine off, key in pocket, both low-beam AND the high-beam fuses sitting on my seat...the highs were still on! Think the #37 fuse was out...will try again...maybe rainwater created an elec-path that's bypassing the fuse-box? BTW, volunteered @ a shelter (we've rescued many) Here he is: http://www.supertripp.com/RayRay.html
MyTaurus8AChevy
11-15-2006, 10:43 PM
MUCH appreciate all the info & the diagram.
It is my pleasure to help you as much as I possibly can :)
Last-night I had the engine off, key in pocket, both low-beam AND the high-beam fuses sitting on my seat...the highs were still on!
I know the feeling. I need to find the horn wire for my car. It's 'supposed' to be dark blue. Ordinarily this wire is very easy to find, but not in my car :p There are four plugs going into our steering column. I took the entire assembly apart and disconnected all but the airbag plug. The horn still worked :eek: :p
It is my pleasure to help you as much as I possibly can :)
Last-night I had the engine off, key in pocket, both low-beam AND the high-beam fuses sitting on my seat...the highs were still on!
I know the feeling. I need to find the horn wire for my car. It's 'supposed' to be dark blue. Ordinarily this wire is very easy to find, but not in my car :p There are four plugs going into our steering column. I took the entire assembly apart and disconnected all but the airbag plug. The horn still worked :eek: :p
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2026