Headlights wont turn off?

[T-Bone028]

Hey all, I did a search, and found that a couple of people have had the same problem as me, but a fix was never really detailed or discussed.

 

My headlights will not turn off. I wasnt even playing with the wiring, just relocating some choke cables under the dash, and now the headlights wont turn off. Both low and high beams work, turn signals, hazards, wipers, dash, etc. Just cant get the headlights off...so for now I've disconnected the battery.

 

Here's the full symptoms of what I'm seeing.

 

1.) Headlights stay on regardless

2.) Autometer A/F ratio meter no longer working

3.) First position of wiper setting turns on the fuel pump (even without having the key in the ignition).

 

I'm guessing somehow a ground came loose? Or could it be something in the headlight switch? I tried pulling the fuse to the headlight, and that didnt do anything, so I'm guessing it must be a ground or something. Any ideas as to where to look? I just got the car a week ago, and the PO said he replaced the wiring the the Painless harness. I have NO IDEA where to start. Electrics are just not something that "clicks" with me. Any help would be appreciated it.

[ModernS30]

Hey all, I did a search, and found that a couple of people have had the same problem as me, but a fix was never really detailed or discussed.

 

My headlights will not turn off. I wasnt even playing with the wiring, just relocating some choke cables under the dash, and now the headlights wont turn off. Both low and high beams work, turn signals, hazards, wipers, dash, etc. Just cant get the headlights off...so for now I've disconnected the battery.

 

Here's the full symptoms of what I'm seeing.

 

1.) Headlights stay on regardless

2.) Autometer A/F ratio meter no longer working

3.) First position of wiper setting turns on the fuel pump (even without having the key in the ignition).

 

I'm guessing somehow a ground came loose? Or could it be something in the headlight switch? I tried pulling the fuse to the headlight, and that didnt do anything, so I'm guessing it must be a ground or something. Any ideas as to where to look? I just got the car a week ago, and the PO said he replaced the wiring the the Painless harness. I have NO IDEA where to start. Electrics are just not something that "clicks" with me. Any help would be appreciated it.

 

First try the headlight switch, replace it, that fixed it in my 93 nissan pickup but I didn't have this fuel pump issue and such.

[PanzerAce]

If it's the stock control setup, there's a chance that (like mine), the solder material has flown enough that it is bridging the switch. Pull the plastic cover off the steering column area. The two wires furthest to the right on the switch mechanism are power and the headlights. If it's been bridged, all you need to do is re-solder the wires.

[T-Bone028]

PanzerAce, thanks, I'll check it out tonight.

 

Anyone have any ideas as to where to order a new headlight switch if it comes down to that? I've checked MSA, courtesyparts, etc, with no luck.

 

I'm hoping I can take apart the switch, clean the connections and cross my fingers. But the fact that my wiper controls are turning on the fuel pump, and my A/F gauge no longer working makes me think it will be harder to figure out and that I most likely have a loose ground. The best part is that it happened all of the sudden and all at once, everything worked perfectly 2 days ago. I didnt even have the key in the ignition at any point yesterday! Sorry for the venting, its just frustrating...but I guess thats part of the fun of an old car.

[T-Bone028]

Anyone else have any ideas? I'm going to tackle the switch tonight, but if there is anything else I can try, please chime in.

[PanzerAce]

One thing to make sure of if you're pulling apart the switch, the little plastic....cap things on the end of the springs inside the switch are *really* easy to lose track of.

[T-Bone028]

Thanks PanzerAce...little update. Turned out my issue was an operator error. I'll just leave it at that...haha.

 

Luckily though, while I was in the steering column area, I did notice that a solder joint had cracked and was the culprit for an intermittent gauge light issue. I suppose poking around in the column wasnt a waste afterall. I was also able to learn that the previous owner graciously installed headlight relays. Shouldnt have to worry about a bad switch anytime soon. Thanks to all for their feedback and suggestions...Sometimes the easiest things are often overlooked!

 

Now to adjust and balance the carbs, replace the spark plugs for peace of mind, and check out the rear brakes...after that, she'll be ready for the road as soon as we get a nice day!