No Low Beam Headlights

Currently have no low beam headlights on my 2001 Tacoma SR5. The high beam setting is functional, as are the turn signals, parking, etc. lights. Low beam does not work with the turn signal switch. What would be the problem and what would I have to do to remedy the situation? Your input, assistance, and suggestions would very much be appreciated. Thank you very much! SP

 

Run a wire from the ground, or negative connection, on the headlight to a ground on the body, or directly to the negative terminal on the battery.

 

either headlight will work, doesn't have to be both. I had this problem with mine shortly after I bought it. It was internal in the multi stalk, too expensive to replace if I recall. the ground wire to headlight fixed my problem.

 

you are aware there is a separate fuse under the hood for regular beams and another for high beams right? if both lights are out, I bet your fuse blew

 

Thanks for taking the time to help. How difficult would it be to replace the turn signal headlight switch? So far, it has been traced possibly to the switch on the multi stalk if I have that right? Will check your other suggestion out later today.

 

There are both RH & LH fuse holders under the hood. Both are good. ???? Thank You!

 

New headlight switch time.

 

It was several years ago, I don't think the replacing was the problem for me but rather the price at the time of the unit.

What is happening, or was with mine anyway, is the ground circuit is gone with the low beams. The hot wires on the headlight plug, there are two, one for dims and one for brights, will show voltage off a voltmeter if you ground to the battery or chassis and switch between high and low beam.

The ground circuit, a single wire, loses it's continuity with the vehicle ground when the lights are on low beam, but shows continuity with the high beams.

So all I did was run a new ground wire directly to the headlight plug itself, spliced in line with the existing ground, don't disconnect the existing ground from the wiring harness, and it's attached to the negative terminal on the battery. It's been this way for over 12 years now and I never looked back.

 

You did a very nice job describing how you repaired the unit that even this senior citizen could be able to fix this. However What I believe I'm going to do is to purchase a switch on line. Maybe somebody on the forum sells these parts. I called a local small garage and probably will have them install it. Toyota wants 88 dollars just to check it over and about $171 - $191 for the part. Than I'm sure they will have an additional labor fee to install it.

The local garage is reasonable and I will then get the switch back and have it repaired, if that be the problem. Indications seem that is more than likely the problem. If the old switch can be repaired will have that as a spare.

When I get caught up a bit will look forward to checking out your links. Thanks for taking the time to share your expertise. SP

 

(New) headlight switch replaced today. Did not make any difference!

 

After reading this post I added a ground wire to the headlight and it solved my problem with the low beams not working. Only the hi beams was working and the blue light on the dash was on all the time until I added the ground wire. If you checked the fuses and bulb and only the hi beams are working trying the ground wire to the headlight is worth the time to see if that is the issue. Thanks for the post this saved me a lot of money and headache.

 

Appreciate you reporting your success with what worked for you with this problem. Will help folks in the future

 

Do you remember which wire you tapped into for the extra ground wire?

 

Decades ago, but it was off the headlight plug. I think it was the center prong, but use a volt meter to be sure so you don't ground a positive. I'll see if i can get a pic

 

Black wire with blue terminal simply slipped into the plug socket for the negative connection.

From there it just runs to the body. Good luck, hope you have the same success.

 

I thought all 1st gens were ground switched not power switched