Periodic High Beams on 94 E320 Wagon
 

Hello:

Could someone suggest what might be wrong with my headlights on my newly acquired 94 E320 Wagon? I've had this issue a couple of times, one being tonight. The low beams work fine, as do the parking light, fog lights, etc. When I push the lever out for hi beams, the headlights go out altogether. If I pull the lever back in, the low beams return, no problem. This has happened hit or miss. I am under the impression that this vehicle does not have a relay for this. I've seen a previous thread that mentions a switch, but I don't know what switch they were talking about, unless they meant the lever itself. I would really hate to replace that whole piece. If anyone could offer a suggestion (and hopeful easy fix) I would greatly appreciate it. Could it be as simple as a hi beam fuse?

Andrew Sugg
Durham NC

Hi beams out
 

Andrew,

Combination (low beam/high beam/optical horn/turn signal stalk) switch going. Search on combination switch in this forum.

Mine is going out; sprayed some contact cleaner into steering column above and below where switch attached; this may help out for a while.

If not, replacement required ... info in this forum for steps.

Try vigorously exercising the stalk. I had a "no hi-beam" condition that went away when I exercised the stalk.

I'll Try and Give It A Workout
 

I'll try your advice to work the lever out a little bit. I ususally think of using something electronic means I am wearing it out, little by little. In this case, I don't think if I am careful that it will hurt anything. If anyone else has a suggestion, please let me know.

Thank you,

Andrew Sugg

Does the high beam indicator lamp work?
Does Flash/Pass work ???

When the issue is occurring (like I said it is imtermittent) the high beam indicator does not work, as the high beams themselves don't work. Flash/pass doesn't work either when this is occurring. I tried this exercise when I started the car this morning, and there were no problems....ugh.....

When theyare working, go outside and see if both sides are on High beam..

..Spin fuses 15 and 16 in their sockets and retry..

try cleaning the fuses and the signal lever switch by using contact cleaners and not by moving the lever vigorously, the later won't help, it will only shorten the service life or break your switch lever.

Can the switch part of the lever actually be reached so it can be sprayed????