Dash and running lights switch not working properly

Tiny
MAMACOUCH1998
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 FORD RANGER
  • 2.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 150,000 MILES
When I pull my switch on halfway, the dash and running lights all come on, but when I pull the switch out all the way to turn the headlights on, the dash and running lights go off. Is this just a bad switch or a bad connection?
Sunday, February 20th, 2022 AT 5:30 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I would first and foremost think the switch is the issue.

I have seen this a number of times over the years, and it normally is a switch issue. So, to confirm this we need to check the voltage coming from the switch in both positions on each of the wires.

Basically, what I suspect is happening is the contacts inside the switch have failed and just no longer make contact when the switch is pulled all the way out on the other lamps. Clearly, they all operate but just not in each of the switch positions that they are supposed to.

So here is a guide that will help with checking the voltage on these wires:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

I am attaching the wiring diagram below but if it were me, I would replace the switch and retest the operation.

Let me know if you have questions or what you find. Thanks
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Monday, February 21st, 2022 AT 6:41 PM
Tiny
MAMACOUCH1998
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thank you. I replaced the switch and it works perfect now!
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Friday, September 9th, 2022 AT 4:39 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

Thank you for the update. We are glad to know it's working again.

Take care and please feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Sunday, September 11th, 2022 AT 8:24 PM

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