Hi Beam Headache

[jsforrest]

My hi beam headlighs won't work 'normally'. I can pull the switch forward and they come on but when I push it back, (towards the front of the car) everything goes off.

Somebody please tell me there's a fuse somewhere and this is not a switch or some worse electrical problem.

[trickyrix]

Bungee cord around the stalk and the steering column - problem solved!

[cone-cerned]

I just went through this with my low beams. My problems turned out to be both bulbs going out at the same time.

There is a fuse in the fuse box under the hood on the passenger side fender, near the firewall. If the fuse is blown, then you will not have any headlights, low or high beam.

On the driver side inter fender is the headlight relay. If it is not working, you will not have any headlights, low or high beam.

The next thing to check is the multifunction switch, where the stalk is. I think this is probably where your problem is. You didn't say, so I am assuming that your low beams work. If your high beams work in the flash to pass positions and your low beams work, I don't think the problem is with the fuse, relay or bulbs.

The multifunction switch is not cheap from a dealership. Try taking the plastic covers off from around the steering column. Then spay the area around the base of the stalk with electrical contact cleaner. Once the cleaner drys, give the lights a try.

I hope this helps. YMMV

[sammm]

I have an NA stalk for sale. Yours for $75 and you'll get all the other parts to install OEM cruise.

http://forums.dfwmiata.com/showthread.php?t=13771

[jsforrest]

well, i tried the contact cleaner, no change. how hard is that multi-function switch to replace? the idea of coming out of this with cruise control is intriguing, has anyone installed cruise control on a '90 NA?

[jsforrest]

Ordered new (salvaged) combo switch from Flyin' Miata and BINGO everything works now.

[trickyrix]

well, i tried the contact cleaner, no change. how hard is that multi-function switch to replace? the idea of coming out of this with cruise control is intriguing, has anyone installed cruise control on a '90 NA?

I just installed cruise on my '94... I don't think it's any different on a '90. You'll need the combo switch (or at least the wiper/cruise stalk with its harness), the little black box that goes in the driver's kick panel, the vacuum servo under the hood, the cruise-specific brake light switch, and the gas pedal (it's different than your car, but your car should have all the proper brackets).

Let me know if you need any pointers...