[Nickscott89]

So I just got a 1996 today and the headlight switch does not turn on the headlights, it turns everything else on though. The headlights are turned on by an extra switch that somebody added. What do I need to do to fix this problem, just buy a new headlight switch? Also, my brights dont work, you flip them and they turn on but the lever doesnt stay in place to keep them on, how do I fix that?

 

[jonesin4cummins]

I'm no mechanic but my truck had the same problem after my plow got installed. Definitely sounds like the headlight on/off switch to me. If you take the dash off and unscrew the switch you should be able to get at it, make sure to check the wiring harness that goes to it because mine was fried. I ended up spending about $100 in parts for the new switch and wiring harness.
As for the other switch, it sounds like it could've been for a plow. When my plow was installed, they installed a switch that switches power from the truck's head lights to the plow's headlights (but ambers should stay on for the plow and truck). I would start by checking the on/ off switch and go from there.

 

[Joe G.]

You may have a burned headlight switch and that is someone's attempt at repair. That switch is a common failure especially if you have added running lights or something like that. Here is what I did to take the load of that switch on my '95. You might want to check your service manual to see if the wire colors are the same.

The wire on my '95 is on pin 2 of the headlight switch. It is a 16 gauge wire and light green in color. It goes to pin 19 of the dimmer switch on the steering column. Cut this wire. You MUST solder the connections to this wire or it will cause you problems later for sure. Use 16 gauge wires for this mod. A normal automotive 30 amp relay with a mounting tab is what you want. Any parts store will have one. You can mount it anywhere you want with a sheet metal screw. Solder a wire to the end of the cut wire that connects to the headlight switch. Use female spade lug connectors on all wires that connect to the relay. Connect the wire from pin 2 on the headlight switch to pin 86 of the relay. Connect a wire from pin 85 on the relay to a ground. Connect the wire from pin 19 of the dimmer switch to pin 30 of the relay. The next connection is from 12 voltes to pin 87 of the relay. You can use a separate fuse here for the lights or you can splice a wire to the wire from fuse 6 of the PDC to pin 6 of the headlight switch. The stock fuse 6 for the lights on my '95 is 40 amps so if you install a separate fuse for the mod it should be 40 amps. Remember, solder all wire connections to spade lugs and wire to wire unless you like unexpected headlight failures from corroded or lose crimped connections.

 

[Nickscott89]

I'm no mechanic but my truck had the same problem after my plow got installed. Definitely sounds like the headlight on/off switch to me. If you take the dash off and unscrew the switch you should be able to get at it, make sure to check the wiring harness that goes to it because mine was fried. I ended up spending about $100 in parts for the new switch and wiring harness.
As for the other switch, it sounds like it could've been for a plow. When my plow was installed, they installed a switch that switches power from the truck's head lights to the plow's headlights (but ambers should stay on for the plow and truck). I would start by checking the on/ off switch and go from there.

I think thats what happened, it looks like it had a plow at one point, so what do i need to do to get my factory switch to work? because if the plow scenario was the case then my switch isnt bad then right?

 

[calebmcclellan]

Let me google that for you

 

[Nickscott89]

...............

 

[OrangeP]

minus questions where i asked for opinions, i have answered everything i ever wanted to know with the search button here and google.....heck google will even bring up multiple threads under each forum for you........

 

[calebmcclellan]

Listen, I asked a question, I have seen you be a smarta$$ more than once, if you want to be a dick go do it somewhere else!!!!!

yep you asked how to fix your headlights and i gave you a link that provides multiple answers in many different threads previously talking about the problem. sorry for bein a dick and helpin you out. get your panties out of a wad and go fix ur truck

 

[jonesin4cummins]

I'm guessing the switch that was added in is still good and I'm 99% sure it's your on/off switch. I honestly don't know how to remove that extra switch because I didn't put mine in either but but if you can't get the lights to work at all, that shouldn't be the problem. Also the fact that your highbeams work only when you pull back on the high beam switch tells me it's the on/off switch.

 

[Nickscott89]

yep you asked how to fix your headlights and i gave you a link that provides multiple answers in many different threads previously talking about the problem. sorry for bein a dick and helpin you out. get your panties out of a wad and go fix ur truck

Well to start off if you read the answers I have gotten so far it seems thst it had a plow so I highly doubt google was gonna answer that question because I know what you are getting at, you think that it has the common problem of the switch burning but you are wrong, you didn't try to help at all you just go from thread to thread trying to act smart.

 

[diggerphd]

Hey, I'm staying in the neutral corner :engarde:, but you have to admit Nick...that was pretty cool the way Caleb made the Google search function automatically?rogramme

Heck, I bet he could figure out why my new printer won't work on the house network?

 

[calebmcclellan]

hahaha that's funny. i dont even know what hyperlink means. anyways did you figure it out yet?

 

[Nickscott89]

hahaha that's funny. i dont even know what hyperlink means. anyways did you figure it out yet?

Sure you don't, and for your information yes I did, Somebody put the headlights on a toggle for a plow which is the reason for the brights not working.

 

[calebmcclellan]

well now im glad you got it figured out. now all you have to do is check the headlamp switch wiring to see if the recall that i linked for you has been done or if it's a 2500 then i would go ahead and do the recall to save yourself from having the switch melt down on you when you're 500 miles from home with no tools

 

[Nickscott89]

well now im glad you got it figured out. now all you have to do is check the headlamp switch wiring to see if the recall that i linked for you has been done or if it's a 2500 then i would go ahead and do the recall to save yourself from having the switch melt down on you when you're 500 miles from home with no tools

Yea I am gonna do that because my in-law had his actually catch on fire before but his was on a 3500. Rather be safe though

 

[calebmcclellan]

yeah its just ignorant to not do it. i had one melt in the park lamp position at about 3am in the middle of oklahoma...not fun

 

[Albacore]

I realize this thread is two weeks old, but I am gonna weigh in. I learned a lot from this thread just when I needed it most. My headlight switch burned out on my 96 2500, and through searching threads, and Caleb's links I was able to get the recall kit from the dealer, and even a full step-by-step, piece-by piece set of instructions on the installation. Did it tonight in less than two hours. Piece of cake. Saved myself over $350 in labor costs (according to the dealer) as well. Lights work good, and no more smoke or electronic stink. Thanks to all who contributed.

 

[calebmcclellan]

glad to hear you fixed it right :thumbsup: