Headlights - Low beams not working (1 Viewer)

[bsang]

I replaced the horn pin in my 84 60 and ever since I have not had low beams.

When I switch on the headlights, I get all the lights except the low beams. When I push the stalk forward or pull back, I do get high-beams.

I checked the fuses, all are fine. One bulb has been finicky so I replaced it, but still no low beams.

Any ideas?

 

[Seth S]

How far apart did you take the indicator assembly when you did the contact?

 

[bsang]

It's been a little while, but I don't believe I removed the indicator assembly.

I may not be understanding your question about how far.

 

[Seth S]

Some people take apart the column a bit more than is needed to do the horn contact. Was just trying to gage whether things got torn down and maybe not reassembled quite correctly.

Guess I might start with the wire connectors in that area to make sure something didn’t get disconnected. Then I’d break out the multimeter and take some measurements at the low beam headlight connector.

 

[bsang]

Thanks for the help.

Yea, I didn't take it apart. Diving in more and good idea on the multimeter... also forget I have that thing.

 

[bsang]

Sidetrack - I just pulled the steering wheel and there is ALOT of metal shavings from the horn. Is that normal after 6 months of use? I feel like I'm going through the PIN quickly.

 

[Seth S]

How much of the pin is left? How does the little disc it rides on look? It should last a long time.

 

[klinetime574]

Pin and plate should be replaced at the same time. The old plate will destroy a new pin very quickly. I did that the first time lol.

As far as no low beams go... I’m thinking it’s possible the switch itself could have failed or maybe a loose wire. Also wouldn’t hurt to check the fusible links. Always start there when doing electrical diagnostics on these rigs.

 

[60 toy ota]

Fusible links should be fine if his high beams are working, because the 12v is shared with a split ground for high/low. Do you have a FSM?
One thing you can do to save your pin is to put a spent .22 shell over it, so that the shell is making contact with the disc instead. Works great.

 

[MrMacdugal]

I had the no horn issue at one point. I read on here somehwere to take a .22 shell and simply put it over the pin. I did this and the horn came back to life like there was never an issue. Try that before replacing anything else. you may be surprised

 

[g-man]

The horn/haz circuit is on a different circuit than the headlights. There is a toggle with ball and detent spring at the inside end of the headlight switch. It does lay below the horn pin. It's possible some debris got in there keeping it from making contact. When you pull an push the arm of the headlight switch to hi and low beam does it feel cruddy? If so you can take the two screws off the metal cover plate and get to the ball and spring and clean it. You may get lucky with some compressed air but I think you'll need to take the steering wheel back off to get at this.

 

[EasternYeti]

So I had a similar issue with the stalk/assembly with the truck.

cleaned everything to no avail - also Sodered a new contacts into the harness (the copper plates that touch to complete the connection) ... still was intermittent...but a bit better

If you disassemble you’ll find the headlight harness on the column is two plastic pieces pressed together, these rotate when the blinker is used.

After 30 years this had too much play and there’s no way to tighten it up, so a large well placed zip tie around the entire assembly will keep it mounted snug and allow for the assembly to move. Is it ideal? No. However, finding another harness in good shape is difficult and the eBay versions will NOT fit correctly (I tried).

shoot me a PM if you need any help - this issue haunted me for months before the zip tie fixed it. Removing the play in the assembly was key

 

[g-man]

There are a few new aftermarket switches available. I switched mine out. read this thread. Turn Signal Fix using parts from a 1983 Toyota Pickup

 

[bsang]

Late reply here, but it turned out the original solder on the low bean wire in the steering column switch had come loose. I pulled the whole switch component, resoldered the wire and reinstalled. Low-beams have worked perfectly since.

 

[Antlerboy]

This exact problem just started for me too! Glad I found this thread! Hopefully mine is something simple as well.