Headlights on - tail lights off! ??? WTH?

[djdawg]

I hope this is the right forum...

2000 Astro...lights have been fine...I'm not the original owner. Usually when I get in I start the vehicle, turn my headlight knob all the way to the right (straight up, 12:00) and all lights come on. Headlights, tail lights and dashboard. Tonight...for no reason whatsoever....and after I had been working in my storage unit for awhile, I get in the van and rotate the knob. Tail and dash lights come on but headlights do NOT come on. In addition, if I turn the knob all the way off, the headlights WILL come on but no tail lights or dash. Fortunately brake lights will still work in this position. No fuses burned out...I've had a few Astros and I know in the past if the Dome Override button is either pushed in or not (can't remember which) it can cause things to act funky...I pushed this in and out several times hoping it might be the issue but it's not....hoping I don't get pulled over on the way to work tonight. Argh!!!! Any thoughts?

[Smiliesafari]

I'd start with checking all of the grounds.

[djdawg]

When I left for work it was acting funky still...I decided to turn my brights on and this seem to kick it back to normal...but I think you're right - I bet there is a short in the ground...

[LiftedAWDAstro]

The reason why you had headlights with the switch off, is because of the DRL's.

[JTalley]

I had a similar problem, and it turned out to be my headlight switch. Try removing it and using a bit of wire to connect the headlight wire to the hot wire in the plug- if that works, the switch itself is your problem.

[Kidhauler]

Yup your light switch is probably broken.

[astroturf]

You really need to properly troubleshoot the problem BEFORE you waste your MONEY on PARTS that you DON'T NEED.

Jim