High Beam Problems

[Shytheed Dumas]

I would hate to loose my headlights completely some night, so I figured I'd jump on this highbeam problem now. They work fine when I flash them, but when I push the light switch forward to keep them on I loose my headlights all together. Pull the switch back and I'm back to normal low beams. Turn signals are fine. Fog lights are also working normally.

BTW - On a related topic, the rocker switch on the dash for the rear defrost falls out when I use it. I could use a replacement if anybody has one laying around.

So, is the highbeam/turn signal switch in the steering column shot or could it be something else? How can I most easily diagnose the cause? Thx.

 

[drostar]

I had the exact same problem. It was the headlight/turn signal switch on the steering column. One of the contacts was dirty and a bit offset so it wasn't making good contact. There's an electrical test you can do on the switch in the TSRM Body Electronics section. If you're nimble and can make sense of upside-down connectors while you're hanging upside-down, you can do it without taking the switch off the steering column.

I tried finding a replacement for mine but it was too hard finding the right one for my 89 (89+ style but without air bag). My local toyota dealer couldn't even get a replacement part. So instead I took it off, cleaned up the contacts and aligned them better and now she's good to go.

 

[Shytheed Dumas]

Thanks Drostar. I will definitely make this an evening project one of these nights, and it would be really good if I didn't need a replacement. I assume you had to pull the steering wheel even though you were able to leave the switch on the column?

 

[drostar]

Yup, you'll have to pull the steering wheel if you want take the switch off to fix it. I meant that you can leave the steering wheel on just to do the electrical test because the harness connector for the switch is behind/above the panel above you feet (just take that panel off and I think there's also an air duct in the way to pull out).