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Headlights won't come on.!!!!

1056 Views 6 Replies 2 Participants Last post by  87_gt, 
8
I have an 87 gt and a few days ago my headlights stopped working. My parking lights, wipers, tailights, and blinkers all work as well as the flash-to-pass(pulling back on the stick). But the headlights and high beams to not come on. The dash does light up like normal on the inside. I checked the fuses, put new bulbs in, checked the wiring harnesses for burns(overheating from bad wiring these years have) but the harnesses don't appear burned or melted. I made sure all the wires were pushed in securely; and today i got a new headlight(/foglight) switch from latemodelresto.com and the headlights still don't come on. Is there something i havn't checked? Are there tests to help narrow it down?
somone mentioned that i should clean the metal "teeth" of the plug.
would that help and if sso whats the best way to clean without damaging?

i need this solved ASAP i drive home after dark and am having to come up with other ways to get around until i fix this
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bradberry93
More than likely the portion of your multifunction switch for the headlights and brights has failed. I had this problem in my 91. I went under the dash and removed the wiring input for the headlights. I just wired mine straight from the switch to a relay that I tapped off the alternator. I did the same thing with my fog lights, so the switch turns on a relay and the power passes from the alternator to the lights. The relays are available for about $5 each at any auto store. You can order parts from LRS to properly repair the issue, you will need a new connector and switch I think it will run you about $90. I would still split off my fog lights on a relay, since this is probably the root cause of the problem.
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how strong would the relays have to be?
is it easy to rewire them and bypass the multifunction switch? I'm better with the mechanical thing; not so much electrical and wiring.
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bradberry93
I used 30 amp relays if I remember correctly. You can just check the stock fuse and make sure it is equal or higher. It will be a good idea to use an inline fuse on the line for the headlights. Once you cut and bypass you will not be fused through the stock box anymore.
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what are the instructions or where can i find instructions on how to rewire them? I have a couple 30 amp inline fuses now
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UPDATE: I took the steering column apart and pulled the m-f switch off to find that the 4 pin wire hareness(that goes into the back of the m-f switch was burned to the point where it was cracked in half!
the other wire harnesses appeared fine and unhurt. I have ordered a new wire harness. is it hard to disconnect the wires and splice them into the new connector?

thanks bradberry93 it looks like you were right!bravo.gif
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UPDATE(2): So i got my new wire harness in(the one that was burned and cracked. and hooked up the new one and the headlights still won't come on!!!!
i double checked the other wire harnesses and wires and they all look good and none of the fuses are blown

i'm running out of ideas. Can anyone help?
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