Deadhor SeFarm

So, new guy to the forum could use some advice.... I took my 1986 shark apart to fix the always hot HVAC system (thanks Roger for the parts) and got it all put back together (except for the a few finishing touches... wanted to check out if it worked...

The good news - HVAC seems to be working (not much air coming out on the floor level, but all the doors seem to be working)....

The bad news:
- My headlights come on as soon as the battery is attached! They do not rise up - they just put light out into space.
- The turn signals come on solid (no blink)
- When I turn on the headlights they rise up and seem to function normally)
- The hazard flashers work
- The flash to pass makes the headlights go to high beam
- The wipers seem to work normally

I am going to start by pulling the column back apart - seems like most of the problems focus on the steering column controled items....

Thoughts?



Torn apart for HVAC work


Back together (mostly)

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

Most likely bad headlight relay. Not quite sure how to check it, but could possibly use the electrical diagrams to jumper individual headlight functions.
Good luck,
Dave

Deadhor SeFarm

Hmmm so maybe when I had the electrical relay panel bulled away I caused some issue with the headlights? Does that relay also control turn signals?

j.kenzie@sbcglobal.net

I doubt you caused the problem. The headlight relay does go bad with age. It controls only the headlight functions, including lights, high and low, and the headlight motor. There are other possibilities, but relay would be my first guess.
Good luck,
Dave
Also, please post model year, since there may be circuit differences.

Mrmerlin

I would disconnect the battery, and then get a relay fuse chart for your car,
and verify you have the correct fuse and relay in the correct slot.
you would not be the first to plug a wrong relay into an adjacent position

Deadhor SeFarm

I am not sure I will get back to it today - but I just got off the phone with Roger and while he thinks it could be a relay issue, its more than likely (due to the related issues with horn, turn signals and headlights) in the steering column or ignition switch. I think I will start there and report back.

thx

soontobered84

Use the advice that MrMerlin has given you above, grasshopper. You asked for advise. The advise given you will save a LOT of headaches in the long run.
Good Luck.

Deadhor SeFarm

At this point I think I should thank you for your response and aptitude... I went out to take apart the steering column and (like a good tech) checked first to see the problem again... and everything worked normal (except the truck release and the horn)! So I noticed that the cabin lights were not working (same fuse as the truck release I recalled from earlier repairs to this system) and sure enough the fuse was blown (not sure how that happened - don't care!). I put in a new fuse and the truck release was working again (and the cabin lights)..... BUT I noticed my headlights were back on! So, recalling your advice I started bumping all the relays and the headlights went out.

Either the relay is sticking or it was not properly plugged in. While I wait to see if the problem happens again (replace the relay) or does not (it was just loose from moving the relay board around) I will appreciate your assistance.

BTW - the horn was just poor contact on the copper strip - sanded it up and got that back....

Now I need to go for a test drive and see if the cruise has stopped the Bond getaway mode! Oh, and although I fixed the switch on the drivers seat for raising and lowering my butt - it is still not working.....

FredR

Well if it is stuck in the minimum position you will just have to get used to being a low down bum!

Taking the HVAC system apart and getting it back together again is no mean feat- well done! I suspect if you can do what you have done sorting out the residual gremlins will be a minor task for you.

Deadhor SeFarm

Thanks for the kind words.... unfortunately it was stuck up (the switch worked one way) so I reversed the wires and now it is all the way down (which is where I sit so I don't bumb my head on the roof on bumps)!

coast928

OTR18WHEELER

From your pic, you have diconnected the headlight switch.
Even USA models have a EURO plug for EURO applications in the general area of the headlight switch plug, could be you plugged the EURO harness plug in, just a guess.