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May not be the switch Posted by Ari [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: main beam switch, ed9k, Sun, 22 Sep 2002 16:49:39 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The highbeam switch drives a relay. The relay is located in the relay box in the engine compartment (headlight relay). Because of the vibration and head in that location, sometimes the solder joints in the relay develop cracks, and that causes intermittent operation of the highbeams. Sometimes the highbeams will come on and off by themselves.
There are two fixes - one, replace the relay, or two, fix the relay. If you've got a soldering iron, you can fix it. Pull the relay, and remove the case. Flip it over, and you'll see the solder pads. If you inspect them with a magnifying glass, I bet you'll see cracking on the LARGE solder pads. Those pads are used to connect the heavy relay to the board, and are stressed. Touch up the LARGE solder pads. It's cheap and easy, and usually works.
Alternatively, it's possible that the switch is dying, although usually it's the relay. It's a simple replacement - open the clamshell surrounding the steering column (three screws underneath, clip on right side behind steering wheel), and you can unscrew and remove the switch. Instead of replacing it, I'd pop it open and see if the contacts need cleaning. The worst you can do is break it, and you were going to replace it anyway.
I'd go with the relay. Much cheaper - I don't want to think what the highbeam switch costs, especially if your car has cruise control.
Good luck!
posted by 192.249.4...
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