high beams

[mp0128]

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]

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

[mp0128]

sorry its a 2002 taurus ses

[denisb]

Sorry, but I've got to ask. Did you replace the lightbulbs.

Denis

[KimMG]

The stalk switch is also a common problem.

[mp0128]

whats a stalk switch?

[KimMG]

The stalk switch is the column switch. Check to see if you are getting power to the bulbs.

[mp0128]

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]

Originally Posted by mp0128

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.

[shorod]

Originally Posted by mp0128

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

[giddyup50]

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!

[mp0128]

he replaced the multi switch

[mp0128]

how much do you think it will cost to get fixed?

[shorod]

Originally Posted by giddyup50

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

[mp0128]

Originally Posted by shorod

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.