headlight switch hell

[Madkaw]

22 hours ago, CicliDevotion said:

Running lights and tail lights work.  Turn signals work.  Wipers work.

 

just no headlights whatsoever and now the turn signals won’t return.

 

 

You have no headlights at all or just not working properly ? Mine has one headlight that is dim in left side , and it’s all about the switch contacts . 
You must not have reassembled the switch properly and the return is not catching I guess. My truck is at the paint shop so I can’t even look at it 

[Madkaw]

So I bought a Dapper lighting relay kit for 4 headlight vehicle DLRH4 .

So low beams work as normal . High beams lights up all 4 - which isn’t normal ?

Highbeam indicator doesn’t show high beam - but that light might be out anyways 

Nice kit and got it all tucked away .

[datzenmike]

On 8/17/2020 at 11:21 AM, wayno said:

I just looked at my Nissan 1984 service manual, in the trouble shooting section it said dim light on one side means burnt fuse.

Also it mentioned if voltage was below 12.8 to check the charging system for proper operation, it also mentioned dim lights could be a burnt fusible link, but I would assume both lights would be dim if either of these were the issue.

 

 

There are two filaments in the outside lamps, one each for high and low beams. When high beams are selected, the low beam is disconnected and the high beam along with the two inner high beam lamps are turned on.

[wayno]

2 hours ago, datzenmike said:

 

There are two filaments in the outside lamps, one each for high and low beams. When high beams are selected, the low beam is disconnected and the high beam along with the two inner high beam lamps are turned on.

 

I don't see any fusible links in them photos.

 

[datzenmike]

On 8/17/2020 at 11:21 AM, wayno said:

I just looked at my Nissan 1984 service manual, in the trouble shooting section it said dim light on one side means burnt fuse.

Also it mentioned if voltage was below 12.8 to check the charging system for proper operation, it also mentioned dim lights could be a burnt fusible link, but I would assume both lights would be dim if either of these were the issue.

 

 

Should be 2 green and 0ne black fusible links. One of the green ones is solely for the headlights.

[Madkaw]

4 hours ago, datzenmike said:

 

There are two filaments in the outside lamps, one each for high and low beams. When high beams are selected, the low beam is disconnected and the high beam along with the two inner high beam lamps are turned on.

Okay - I thought I read that selection high beams only turns in the inner lights .

So these aren’t working properly because I don’t think I’m getting highbeam filament when selecting high- but I will check that .  I think the low is just staying on . I hate Nissans wiring set up , it’s such a PITA to figure out or change . 
At least it fixed my weak switch 
 

[canon3383]

My light switch for my running lights quit over the weekend, I see the problems that all of you are having. I didn't want to remove the steering wheel and I know the switch assembly is hard to come by as this is one of a few trucks left in this area.

I decided that putting a rocker switch in parallel with the running lights wires at the switch on the column at the connector that plugs into the switch assembly.

The Red/Blue wire is the 12v wire coming in and the Red/Yellow to the running lights circuit ( also includes the dash lights ).

Left the existing wires connected and placed the new wires into the connector plugs as to not damage the connector or wires (used a terminal puller) should I be lucky enough to find a good switch housing .

I know this isn't headlights, but all of everyone's advice on this got me though my slight dilemma (my buddy got a ticket for no tail lights at night)

[datzenmike]

Tail and dash lights are the same so if you don't have dash lights, this warns you that the tail lights are out and no one can see you.

[Tazzy86]

one the best things that will help you is a ultra sonic cleaner it will the everything contacts, connectors and the cap on the circuit. I know because I had the same problem on my 86 720. It will help bring it back and save you money hope it helps. 

[A.bandini]

Hoping to revive this old thread and see if anybody can throw a little wisdom my way.

 

-Tail lights stopped working.

-Turn signals have always worked intermittently.. 

 

Checked all fuses & bulbs, all good.

Could a bad combination switch kill the rear tail lights? 

[datzenmike]

Use a meter or test lamp on the fuse, never trust that it looks ok.

 

Tail lights, side marker, license and cab interior light are all on the third fuse back from the far right side of the fuse box. If your interior light works then the fuse is ok.

 

Assuming fuse is fine then it's the lighting/turn signal switch. They are 'greased' at the factory and over the years it can dry out collect dirt and become dysfunctional. If you remove the two part plastic clam shell around the steering column and 'pop' the steering wheel off you can better get at the switch. Try spraying liberally with electrical contact and switch cleaner to flush it out while working the switch back and forth. If taking apart, use caution there are springs and things under tension in there that are hard to put back.  

[butter fingers]

MadKaw , i was noticing the age of your battery dude . its 6 years old ! i like the Optima battery personally . your truck is amazing , keep it going with a fresh battray . LOL 

[A.bandini]

On 5/22/2024 at 8:41 AM, datzenmike said:

 

Assuming fuse is fine then it's the lighting/turn signal switch. They are 'greased' at the factory and over the years it can dry out collect dirt and become dysfunctional. If you remove the two part plastic clam shell around the steering column and 'pop' the steering wheel off you can better get at the switch. Try spraying liberally with electrical contact and switch cleaner to flush it out while working the switch back and forth. If taking apart, use caution there are springs and things under tension in there that are hard to put back.  

 

Thank you! Went with the test lamp back over the fuses, everything is getting power.

Took the cover off to get at the switch and flushed it out, problem persists.

 

Looks like the OEM combo switch in there.

From reading other forum posts, seems like others have had to swap these things out.

My truck is a 1985, (VIN says produced 10/1984)

 

i dug around on ebay and found some cheapo replacement part options- think it's worth trying?

Haven't had luck finding a refab one for a 1985 truck.

 

combo switch ebay

 

 

 

 

[datzenmike]

Looks similar but for a Sentra.

[A.bandini]

Ad claims it works for both (sentra and 720).

Think it's worth trying?

Unless anybody has a lead on an OEM part, this might be the best it gets.

[Thomas Perkins]

Also check your driver side door switch,not the same as passenger side.

[datzenmike]

Driver's door has a dual switch. The other is for the key in the ignition buzzer.

 

 

 

 

 

[datzenmike]

1 hour ago, A.bandini said:

Ad claims it works for both (sentra and 720).

Think it's worth trying?

Unless anybody has a lead on an OEM part, this might be the best it gets.

 For that price I would

[Thomas Perkins]

What is that part number Mike ?Nissan only shows the passenger side door switch.I took both sides out one time.Also Ebay only sells the passenger side one.I bought one awhile back,not knowing that they are not the same.

Edited May 24 by Thomas Perkins

[datzenmike]

I would say the Sentra does not have variable pulse wipers where the one shown does.

 

There are 17 possible combinations for the 720 

[Thomas Perkins]

Here is my driver side door switch.I remember it was sticking,I sprayed with WD- 40 and it quit sticking.Wonder why Nissan don't sell these.I did buy 2 Nissan light bulbs for the dome light.They are brighter than the auto part store ones.

Edited May 24 by Thomas Perkins