ok so the other day i noticed my main headlights where not working. city lights yes. High beams only stay on when i hold back on the lever. but no headlights. i tried testing back from the lever switch i have current at the lever switch but i cant find the relay ive dug through every one i can find and flipping the switch on and off cant find any Volts to any of them. is there a resistor that is in line before the relay that might be giving me problems the disco is a 1997 . im at a lose. also there is no power at the lights them self so im thinking its got to be something in between. Any help would be great'
Tim

 

What relay? See page 204 and 205 of 591 in the 1997 circuits manual part of the RAVE shop manual series.

One line diagram would go from battery positive thru main fuse # 3 (bolt in) under hood, to the stalk switch, thru F11, F10, F4, F5 under dash, to the lamp sockets. You can meter between chassis (ground) and the fuses under the dash, this is between the lamps and the stalk switch, so you can determine which way to hunt.

 

Ok so I have power on f4 but nothing on 10 and 11

 

And when I flip the switch from city to night nights I have power at the back of the switch . But nothing at the fuse . And still can't find a relay that seems to be affected by flipping the switch .

 

Please look at the schematic in the RAVE circuits manual, and tell me the relay you see. I don't see one. The stalk switch is probably bad, turn steering wheel 90 degrees to get at the mounting.

 

In my limited experience, I would say the stalk is bad. It's easy to take apart and scrape the contacts clean, add some dielectric grease and life should be brighter.

When you leave the lights switch in the on position and remove the keys, does the warning bell sound? If not this is a sign the stalk switch is bad.

 

Ok I've ordered a new stalk I'm still not confident thus is the problem. But if there are no relays and full power does travel through the stalk to the headlights this might be it . And I just checked yes the lights on alarm does work with the door open also all dash lights work . I'll keep everyone up to date when I get the stalk . Any ideas I would love to hear.
Tim

 

Don't buy a new stalk. Just repair yours, I can send photos if the tear down if that will help.

 

Honestly, I have no confidence in electronics, I did mine and was surprised at how easy it was.

 

Maybe if there was a headlight relay the stalks wouldn't be such a problem, as it seems everybody has this problem eventually. But I gues once every 10 or 15 years isn't too bad.