Re. blown headlights/indicator stalk

[irvine]

hey everyone, so a few weeks ago I was waving problems with my indicator stalk, when pressing down it would create an electrical crackle and dim the lights (when headlights were on), well it shorted out and killed my headlights.

I inspected the indicator mech and it had disintegrated the mech that held the selector in the up or down position. Everything works, hazard, L/R indicator, side lights I can flash the full beam but it doesn't stay engaged, for lights, all exept the dipped beam headlights. I'm thinking a part of the indicator selector may have somehow shorted out the headlights, but where??

Is there a way to test the lights, like the light switch on the dash, could it somehow have been damaged??

thanks,
neil.

[Diesel 617]

It sounds like after years of use the wire coating disintegrated and two positive wires touched. You can check your grounds, but if everything turns on then I would replace the combination switch with a new one
The grounds will be under the instrument cluster (removal required) along the bottom in line with the ignition. as well as two sperate ground for the headlights along the radiator support frame.