Headlight Problem

PaulV2008 · Post by **PaulV2008** » Wed May 14, 2008 10:43 am

89 Beretta 300+K miles (Odometer froze at 300K)

Parking and tail lights come on when headlight switch pressed but headlights won't come on until I hold back the high beam switch. The lights won't stay on unless I keep back pressure on the switch.

Is this a headlight switch or dimmer relay problem? If dimmer switch does anyone have a part number and/or detailed instructions for how to access? Keep in mind that the most demanding work I've done by myself on the car is to change the fan blower motor.

WTFover? · Post by **WTFover?** » Fri May 16, 2008 11:19 pm

89 Beretta base, 2.8L V6 Auto, 267,000 miles

My headlight stopped working today as well! They just went out by themselves as I was leaving for work this morning, then they came back on. Driving down the road, the hi-beam indicator came on in the dash display even though I had not turned them on. Couldn't tell if the brights were actually on as I was on a well-lit street by that point. Smelled something like it was frying in the passenger compartment that made my eyes sting, had to roll down the windows even though it was raining! Pulled over, opened hood, nothing going in there. Tried to turn on high beams, wouldn't turn on, but the headlights were still on. When I got home this afternoon, the headlights won't come on at all now but the parking lights still work along with the turn signals.

Any ideas? Someone suggested a relay? Is there a relay that governs just the headlights? Or is it just the switch where the buttons are located?? Please help! I can't drive at night until this is fixed!

Mr. Beefy · Post by **Mr. Beefy** » Sat May 17, 2008 8:22 am

I will put money down that your turn signal switch in the column is bad. I have had 3 go bad on my in my 88GT, 90GT, and 90GTZ. Very common part to go bad cause everything goes through that switch(taillights, headlights, blinkers, etc.) It's somewhat involved to replace but it's not that hard. I replaced mine inside of 15 minutes but then again I have done it 3 times and pulled 2 extras. If you need one and want to try it out I have a good one that I'll sell to ya cheap.

PaulV2008 · Post by **PaulV2008** » Mon May 19, 2008 1:23 pm

I replace the dimmer switch with a replacement from NAPA. I have low-beams now but still no highs. I checked the connection between the turn signal arm and the switch and it moves the switch its full length of travel.

When the switch is fully depressed I don't hear any clicking sound as with the old switch. Maybe the switch I bought is defective? Should I hear a distinct click with the replacement switch as well?

JeffD · Post by **JeffD** » Tue May 20, 2008 9:07 pm

My high beams crapped out recently too, I just replaced the High beam switch, and voila! head lights again, the switch I guess got stuck in Hi and once the switch died it cut power to my head lights. I think the part cost me like $12.

SuzukiGhostRider · Post by **SuzukiGhostRider** » Tue May 20, 2008 9:19 pm

I too have been having some minor issues with my switch. Doesn't affect my turn signals or head/parking lights, but rather my Hazards. Sometimes after using the bright switch/blinker, the Hazards won't work for a minute. Cheaply built cars with crap parts in the column ftl. I still love my Beretta though.

WTFover? · Post by **WTFover?** » Tue May 27, 2008 1:24 pm

Yup, it was a $12 dimmer switch that my neighbor put in for me....it's all fixed now! YEA!

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