1988 Headlights don't work
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 23
From: mesa az
1988 Headlights don't work
I was driving to work this morning and they just stopped working. The interior lights also stopped working. The headlights are stuck open they will not retract and they won't light up. How do I trouble shoot and figure out what is broken ?
1988-1996
Headlight Relay Module Ballast
I want to add that the rear tail lights also stopped working. All at once.
1988-1996
Headlight Relay Module Ballast
I want to add that the rear tail lights also stopped working. All at once.
Last edited by C4in mesa; Sep 26, 2015 at 09:02 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,394
Likes: 2,741
Headlamp switch has failed or an issue at the H/L connector but I'd plan on a headlamp switch replacement. The early style GM H/L switch I'm quite certain has an internal circuit breaker. It is NOT serviceable.
At the fuse block you could check for power to the tail and courtesy fuse, if there is power to them they're on likely the same fusible link as the lighting switch. If yes then I believe the switch, if there's no power to them then likely the fusible link at the battery jump block behind the battery.
At the fuse block you could check for power to the tail and courtesy fuse, if there is power to them they're on likely the same fusible link as the lighting switch. If yes then I believe the switch, if there's no power to them then likely the fusible link at the battery jump block behind the battery.
Last edited by WVZR-1; Sep 26, 2015 at 09:26 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
The failure of ALL your lighting systems points to the switch or the power supply i.e. fusible link as Dave has pointed out. Check for power at your H/L switch connector and if your good, replace the switch.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 23
From: mesa az
Is the switch behind the bezel ? The on/off **** connects too.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 23
From: mesa az
Top side view through the windshield looking down is why the bad picture quality. Sweat is probably dropping on the glass too. Literally soaked to the skin in 15 minutes. Hate the desert heat with a passion but that is another subject.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
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There should be a small button (metal) on the back-side of the switch, it's not very visible in the snapshot but you pull the rod gently until you feel the detent, then depress the button on the back-side and then the rod will come out and the nut will be a piece of cake after that.
The first time it can be a little challenging but after you fail a few times and then you succeed you feel "how stupid was this". You'll be fine.
Do you have the new one yet?
The first time it can be a little challenging but after you fail a few times and then you succeed you feel "how stupid was this". You'll be fine.
Do you have the new one yet?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,996
Likes: 304
From: MOORESVILLE NC
I used a screw driver and a hammer. Pretend it is a strange nut and tap it loose in a slot with a hammer, gingerly. Then use a pair of needle nose type pliers and then use the slots in the nut an unscrew it until it comes loose. Lube the new one. If you keep your 88 you might have to do this job again.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 23
From: mesa az
I do and it's AC Delco. I paid $34 off ebay. I really hope and pray the switch allows the headlights to come on and then retract or close. As of now the headlights are out but not working. The interior lights also stopped. I read the switch also has a fuse in it. I checked all the fuses before going forward with this switch replacement.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 23
From: mesa az
Here's the button Cliff is talking about. I examined the new one and was able to find a small chisel wedge to depress it. Came off easy the first try. <br/>
WARNING !! Don't push on this nut. Grab it with vice grips once you have it set and turn it. I did this with the part in my hand and wish I had known better. The plastic is so brittle here in Mesa AZ. I have lost many interior parts due to brittle plastic and warping.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 23
From: mesa az
Aside from breaking plastic and now knowing how to change the headlight switch nothing has changed. The headlights still won't come on and they stay open. My problem is somewhere else ? I have checked the fuses. In fact I checked every single fuse in the car. Could the module be the reason my lights won't come on or retract ?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 239
From: Venice Cali.
Aside from breaking plastic and now knowing how to change the headlight switch nothing has changed. The headlights still won't come on and they stay open. My problem is somewhere else ? I have checked the fuses. In fact I checked every single fuse in the car. Could the module be the reason my lights won't come on or retract ?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 338
Likes: 79
From: STATE OF CONFUSION IN THE COUNTY OF L.A
Aside from breaking plastic and now knowing how to change the headlight switch nothing has changed. The headlights still won't come on and they stay open. My problem is somewhere else ? I have checked the fuses. In fact I checked every single fuse in the car. Could the module be the reason my lights won't come on or retract ?
https://www.google.com/search?q=c4+c...6J8djfxvB4g%3D
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 338
Likes: 79
From: STATE OF CONFUSION IN THE COUNTY OF L.A
it allows you to power or ground a circuit and do continuity testing it's absolutely the best diagnostic tool there is aside from common sense
which isn't so common lol
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
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From: Anaheim CA
