What's wrong with my low beam headlights/switch/relay

1996 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
163,000 MILES
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96Z71
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  • 1 POST
The daytime running lights (drl) feature seems to function correctly, but when I move the headlight switch to the on position, the low beams turn off. (whereas, the drl mode is canceled or bypassed by the switch, but fails to go into 100% power to the low beams). Is this a failure of the switch, or the drl relay?
In the picture, there is mention of a "tan" wire.
There is a tan wire as part of the wiring harness to the switch.
The tan wire is discolored (brown/burnt) at the point where it ends within the harness (approx. 1/2")
What may have caused this?
Where does this tan wire come from/go to?

Thanks for your answer(s)
Sep 2, 2011 at 4:37 AM
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JDL
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 16,098 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Info I looked at was for a c1500, quad lamps. When the drl relay is not energized there is continuity through relay from dimmer switch to low beam headlamp. In the diagram below, top wires are voltage, bottom wires are ground.
Jul 1, 2019 at 7:30 PM
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