Hello Everyone.

I've searched around and I think it's either the multifunction or the headlamp switch. Just looking for more advice from you guys.

The low beams don't work. When I pull the multifunction switch towards me it makes a clicking sound but I have to hold it for the high beams to be on. On most cars you just pull it and let go and it switches between them. I'm thinking it's broken?

I replaced the bulbs, they are fine. The headlight pull switch seems ok. It can activate the driving lights, turning it adjusts the brightness of the dash, and all the way will turn on the interior dome light.

All the lights, parking, turn, hazzard, etc work, except the low beams.

If it is the multi or the pull switch, anyone know where to get them for cheap? Called the stealership and they want 100 for the pull and haven't asked about the multi yet.

Thanks for the help.

 

So when you pull on the lights on, neither the highs or lows turn on. So no headlights at all at that time. If so I would say its the pull switch. But the multi may be acting up too. Your best bet for cheep parts is www.autozone.com or www.ebay.com or craigslist.org or your local junkyard.

 

Thanks for the reply Crazy.

Yes, neither low or high turn on. The only way any lights turn on is if the running lights are on and I pull back the multifunction lever. They stay on only if I hold them back, and if I hold it for long, they turn off anyway. Must be over heating?

A funny thing is if the pull switch is all the way out(headlight on mode, second click), the high beams won't turn on when I pull back the multifunction lever. They only turn on when the pull switch is in the driving light one. (First stop on the pull)

 

Sounds like a bad headlight switch.

 

Is this the one you guys think I would need?

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/de...85c7ab9e&gan=1

Or do I have to look for the full "pulling body" as well?

 

i had the same problem with my 90 dakota i just replaced the headlamp switch with one from a junkyard it worked excellent after that hope this helps i do beleve it is a fried headlight switch the one switch thats on the dash on the left hand side of the steering wheel i paid 10 bux for mine the only problem with getting a new one without the bracket is mounting it to your bracket but if you can get a new one and mount it to your bracket id go that way just i got a quote of 60 bux for a replacement one from carquest and i live near a u pull yard so i got the used one for cheap

 

Sashin,

If the high beams work when you pull upon the turn signal stalk, the switch is the problem. The high beams work only because you are using the low beam ground path. I had to drive home one night with the turn signal stalk pulled up the whole way. Go to a local parts store and ask for a Standard DS357T. I've replaced two of these. I have yet to get to the root cause, but I suspect a bad ground somewhere else in the truck.

Matt Ross
1993 Dakota 2WD Extended Cab
5.2L 278000 miles and counting

 

Thank you for your response Matt.

Do you think shucks or NAPA would have it? Is it a relay or part of the pull out? Could you give me a quick run down on how to replace it? Mainly the location.

 

Sashin

Sorry man, I misunderstood what you were asking in your PM. You should be able to buy a replacement switch at any auto parts store. I've bought mine in the past at Advance Auto Parts and paid about $15 for them. I believe I read somewhere in this forum that this is a common issue with these trucks because there are no relays for the headlamps, they are directly wired to the switch. If there is a power surge it can short out the switch. I've replaced mine three times now. There is a post or perhaps in the FAQ's a how-to install relays to fix this issue. Senior members of this forum would know better. Please let me know if I have mis-spoken guys, I don't want to be giving out bad information to tarnish the reputation of this forum.