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I've been troubleshooting this same problem on a different vehicle this week, and I can give you the steps I'd take.
1. If both sides went out at the same time, the problem is *NOT* likely to be the bulbs.
2. Check the fuses to see if both low beam lights are on the same fuse. Many cars have one fuse for low beam and another for high beam, so both lights out at the same time typically means fuse blown.
3. If the headlights are OK and the fuses are OK, then the problem is *LIKELY* the headlight switch. In my case, AutoZone has one and it can be installed easily; but in your case, that may not be as simple.
The problem is the headlight switch itself - it's one of the most common failures on these cars. The part, brand-new, is about $158 from ECSTuning.com. Replacing it involves removing the airbag and steering wheel - not difficult but a little nerve-wracking due to the power of the airbag.
If this is something you want to tackle on your own, reply back here and I can give you a step-by-step on doing the work yourself. Or you can go to a shop/dealer and just have them do it. They'll probably charge you at least two hours' labor, even though it's a 40 minute job. Let me know what you would like to do.
Take a look at this link regarding DRL system. I know it's not exact truck but most of it would apply to yours too. It should give you hints on what to test & how. http://www.fordf150.net/howto/drl.php
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Here is how they are suppose to work .
Headlamps
The headlamps may be turned on two different ways. First, when the driver places the headlamp switch in the HEADLAMP position, for normal operation. Second, with the headlamp switch placed in the OFF position, for automatic lamp control (ALC). During ALC, the headlamps will be in day time running lamp (DRL) operation in daylight conditions, or low beam operation in low light conditions. The LH HDLPand RH HDLP fuses, supply battery positive voltage from the underhood junction block to the left and right headlamps. The circuit continues through both low and high beam lamps, then back to the underhood junction block. The low beam and high beam circuits continue to the headlamp switch. The low beam and high beam circuits also provide the body control module (BCM) with both low and high beam inputs. The headlamp switch includes the dimmer switch and the flash-to-pass switch. When the headlamp switch is placed in the HEADLAMP position a path to ground is provided. Ground is provided at G201. Depending on the position of the high/low beam switch, either the low or high beam circuit will now have power and ground.
The LH HDLP fuse in the underhood junction block, supplies battery positive voltage to the automatic lamp control (ALC) headlamp relay coil circuit. The ALC relay switch circuit is connected to the low beam circuit at the headlamp switch. When the headlamp switch is placed in the OFF position, the BCM will automatically turn on the low beams in low light conditions. The BCM energizes the ALC relay, closing the switch contacts and grounding the low beam circuit. Ground is provided at G201. With the headlights in the low beam position, the high beams may be momentarily turned on or flashed with the dimmer switch handle. The flash-to-pass feature is accomplished by pulling the dimmer switch handle toward the driver. The headlights may be switched to high beam with the opposite movement of the dimmer switch lever. When the headlamp dimmer switch handle is pulled toward the driver, the flash-to-pass switch closes grounding the high beam circuit. Ground is provided at G201. Both high beams will remain on until the driver releases the switch handle.
If the driver places the headlight switch in the HEADLAMP position , the headlights will remain on until turned off or the battery runs dead.
Not a fuse problem , same fuse power's low an high beams . Looking at wiring diagrams an using a DVOM - digital volt ohm meter to test the electrical circuit's is the way to find the problem . The light's staying on for 3 or 4 min's. is a function of the BCM - body control module ! Do you know anything about automotive electrical testing ? Do you know what a wiring diagram is an how to read one . Free wiring diagrams here http://www.bbbind.com/free_tsb.html Enter vehicle info. Year , make , model an engine size . Under system click on lighting ,then under subsystem click on headlamps .Click the search button then the blue link. get yourself a cheap DVOM an test the electrical circuit's , this is how electrical problems are solved . Electric Testing Techniques You Need to Know Basic Electricity for Service Techs Ohm law Current Flow Opens Shorts
Plus reading factory service repair info for how it should work would be a good idea .
Headlamps
The headlamps may be turned on two different ways. First, when the driver places the headlamp switch in the HEADLAMP position, for normal operation. Second, with the headlamp switch placed in the OFF position, for automatic lamp control (ALC). During ALC, the headlamps will be in day time running lamp (DRL) operation in daylight conditions, or low beam operation in low light conditions. The LH HDLPand RH HDLP fuses, supply battery positive voltage from the underhood junction block to the left and right headlamps. The circuit continues through both low and high beam lamps, then back to the underhood junction block. The low beam and high beam circuits continue to the headlamp switch. The low beam and high beam circuits also provide the body control module (BCM) with both low and high beam inputs. The headlamp switch includes the dimmer switch and the flash-to-pass switch. When the headlamp switch is placed in the HEADLAMP position a path to ground is provided. Ground is provided at G201. Depending on the position of the high/low beam switch, either the low or high beam circuit will now have power and ground.
The LH HDLP fuse in the underhood junction block, supplies battery positive voltage to the automatic lamp control (ALC) headlamp relay coil circuit. The ALC relay switch circuit is connected to the low beam circuit at the headlamp switch. When the headlamp switch is placed in the OFF position, the BCM will automatically turn on the low beams in low light conditions. The BCM energizes the ALC relay, closing the switch contacts and grounding the low beam circuit. Ground is provided at G201. With the headlights in the low beam position, the high beams may be momentarily turned on or flashed with the dimmer switch handle. The flash-to-pass feature is accomplished by pulling the dimmer switch handle toward the driver. The headlights may be switched to high beam with the opposite movement of the dimmer switch lever. When the headlamp dimmer switch handle is pulled toward the driver, the flash-to-pass switch closes grounding the high beam circuit. Ground is provided at G201. Both high beams will remain on until the driver releases the switch handle.
If the driver places the headlight switch in the HEADLAMP position , the headlights will remain on until turned off or the battery runs dead.
Do you know what a factory diagnostic trouble shooting chart is ?
Headlamps Inoperative - Low Beams
Step
Action
Yes
No
Schematic Reference: Headlights/Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Schematics
1
Did you perform the Lighting System Diagnostic System Check?
YES - Go to Step 2
NO - Go to Diagnostic System Check - Lighting Systems
2
Place the headlamp switch in the HEADLAMP position.
Place the headlamp dimmer switch in the LOW position.
Do the low beam headlamps illuminate?
YES - Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems
NO - Go to Step 3
3
Disconnect the turn/headlamp wiper switch assembly connector C2.
Connect a 15 amp fused jumper between the headlamp low beam signal circuit and a good ground.
Do the low beam headlamps illuminate?
YES - Go to Step 4
NO - Go to Step 5
4
Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the turn/headlamp wiper switch assembly. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
Did you find and correct the condition?
YES - Go to Step 7
NO - Go to Step 6
5
Repair an open or high resistance in the headlamp low beam signal circuit. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.
YES - Did you complete the repair?
NO - Go to Step 7
--
6
Replace the turn/headlamp wiper switch assembly. Refer to Multifunction Turn Signal Lever Replacement - On Vehicle in Steering Wheel and Column.
Did you complete the replacement?
Go to Step 7
--
7
Operate the system in order to verify the repair.
Did you correct the condition?
YES - System OK
NO - Go to Step 3
sounds like the headlight switch is defective and needs replacing,but you need to check to make sure the rod that the switch pushes against if make the full travel and not short as this will not allow the switch to change from low beam to high beam.if the rod is travelling the full length then the switch is no good.you should also hear a click when moving the arm to go from low to high if not then the switch is bad.by holding the lever at a certain position to get the high beams to work this also indicates a switch problem.
You can't turn them on manually with the switch . You have the switch set on auto ?
Headlamps
You can use the headlamps in two different ways.
• Place the headlamp switch in the ON position for normal operation.
• Place the headlamp switch in the OFF position for automatic lamp control (ALC). During ALC the high beam headlamps are On at reduced intensity for daytime running lamp (DRL) operation in daylight conditions, or low beam headlamps On in low light conditions.
The DRL/EXT LTS fuse and the EXT lamps fuse in the underhood junction block supply battery positive voltage at all times to both of low beam lamps and to the right high beam lamp. The low beam circuit continues to the high/low beam switch, then, depending on the position of the dimmer switch, connects to the normally-open headlamp relay switch contacts. Placing the headlamp switch in the HEAD position provides a ground path for the headlamp switch input of the Body Control Module (BCM). After receiving this input, the BCM energizes the headlamp relay. When the headlamp relay is energized, the low beam circuit is connected to ground G201. The high beam circuit is divided into a left and a right side circuit.
The DRL/EXT LTS fuse in the underhood ignition block supplies battery positive voltage to both the coil and to the normally-closed contact of the DRL relay switch circuit. During high beam operation, the left side current flow is through the closed contacts of the DRL relay, and to the left high beam lamp.
The EXT Lamps fuse in the top of the engine fuse block supplies battery positive voltage to the right high beam lamp. Both high beam circuits are then connected together, and continue to the dimmer switch. When the driver closes the high beam contacts of the dimmer switch, the circuit is grounded at G201.
Both the headlight switch and the BCM provide a ground, or control circuit, to the headlight relay coil circuit for manual or automatic headlamp operation. When you place the headlamp switch in the OFF position, and the ambient light sensor indicates low light conditions, the BCM energizes the headlamp relay for low beam operation. You may switch the headlights to high beam by pulling the dimmer switch handle toward you until the dimmer switch is activated. When the dimmer switch is placed in the HIGH position, the indicator lamp input to the BCM is pulled low. The BCM then sends a class 2 message to the instrument cluster in order to illuminate the high beam indicator lamp.
If the headlamp switch is left in the head position, the inadvertent power control feature will turn off the headlights 10 minutes after you turn the ignition switch to the OFF position. If you place the headlamp switch in the head position after the ignition switch has been turned OFF, or if the ignition switch is in the ACCY position, the headlights will remain ON until you turn them OFF or until the battery runs dead.
The headlight on an 03 baja are a double element bulb for high an low beam. I replaced mine with 9007 bulb from auto parts store. Be careful to pay attention to bulb position, they can be installed up side down having the high beam as your low beam. I would shine the lights up against a wall or garage door and flip your high and low beams on and off to see how the shine.
Check the fuse. There are seperate fuses for right and left. You dont mention if the high beam works for that side? If it does, the fuse is good. The GREEN wire at the bulb is the ground for the low beam. If that wire has power, then the ground is bad. If the high beam works, the hi'lo beam switch is good, and there is a problem between that headlight and the Engine Compartment Junction Block
So, when u turn on the high-beams, the indicator light goes on, but u still have low beam headlights only? Check the headlight (either one), and see if by chance both high beams burned out at approx. the same time. U don't specify what year, I'm not sure if u have a replacement bulb, or a sealed beam headlight to replace. If the high beams are both ok, then it must be the headlight high beam switch. Let me know what u find.
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