1999 Ford Escort Headlights Not Working

[nonewcars]

My headlights went out when I switched from low beam to high beam. I checked the fuses under the hood. The 2 10 amp fuses for the left and right headlights are fine. There is another item that looks like a relay that i can't tell is okay or not. I unpluged and plugged it back in to no avail. Could this possibly be the headlight switch that is failing.

[mightymoose_22]

Switch, relay, or bulb. If you have a voltmeter you should be able to easily check the circuit with the switch in each position.

[nonewcars]

Okay, the guy at the parts store determined its the switch. He can get the lights to come on by jiggling the switch up and down with the turn signal on. So the next question is, how do you replace the switch? What has to come off and how?

[Davescort97]

Know the procedure for a 97. Sould be the same for a 99, both being third generation Escorts.

Disconnect the battery ground cable and wait one minute for the air bag power supply to shut down.

Remove three screws and remove the upper and lower steering column covers.

Remove the 2 multi-function switch screws. Disconnect the 2 electrical connectors and remove the multi-function switch.

If you have a boneyard close get a used one for about $65. The multi-function switch as a dealer item is several hundred dollars.

[tripletdaddy]

You may want to look around online, etc. I real quick found Autozone.com has your light switch for $74 w/o fog lights but $167 if you have fog lights. It's available at their stores.