Intermittent hi beams on 86 power ram quad headlights.

[Pengineer1]

My dear old 86 ram has the 4 headlights, 2 low beams and 2 hi beams. My problem is when I pull the lever to go from lo beams to high it does illuminate all 4 beams but goes back to only lows as soon as I release the lever. I was thinking it might be a relay or something in the lever on the column but recently I had a couple days when it magically fixed itself and kept the hi beams on as it's supposed to. Anybody out there have any clues or insights? Can you point me in the right direction to continue troubleshooting this? Where does the hi beam/lo beam relay live in a Gen 1 truck and is it possible that it can fix itself for only a short spell like that? Thanks in advance ever body...

[tortron]

No relay in the 1st gens, it's all wired direct to switch.
Probably you want to pull the switch out, apart and clean the contacts up. They might want some bending back into shape too. The fixing itself will be the switch sometimes clicking into place and other times not
Good time to check the wiring and grounds at the headlight end too

[SubGothius]

Do the Gen1s not activate hi-beams by pushing the stalk away from you? Gen2s are like that, with the pull towards being a momentary "flash to pass" thing.

[Pengineer1]

Nope, Sub G, I just double checked and my 86 lever doesn't push away, only clicks towards the driver. I think my dear old Saab used to push away for high beams. I guess I'll have to get my trouble light probe out and fiddle around with the wires and connectors and try to find the loose connection. I guess it'd help to have an assistant that can pull the lever while I probe around behind the headlights. I hate to tear into the steering column if I don't have to; I never seem to be able to get everything as tidy as it was from the factory.

[camoit]

They click on or click off. No flash to pass. It’s going to be the relay or switch.

[Pengineer1]

Camoit, do you know where the relay might be in my gen1? Tortron doesn't think there is a relay but it sounds like I can hear one in there somewhere??

[tortron]

camoit might be right on that. Mine doesnt have one, nor have the 1st gens I have pulled apart, but looking through some wiring diagrams (hidden in the back with the supplimentary info)your late model 1st gen may do. ir will be under the steering column if there is one behind the shroud/cowl26045

[Pengineer1]

Thanks Tortron, that drawing helps. I'll crawl under the steering column while pulling the dimmer lever and see if I can isolate it.

[camoit]

It could also be the main switch taking a crap.

[Pengineer1]

Yes, if it has a relay and that seems fine I'll tear deeper into my steering column. Thanks guys.

[tortron]

Itl be the switch, 30 years with no maintenance ;)