headlights kill engine

[90camwagon]

hello i need help. we just got a 90 camry wagon the first trip we took in it we got almost where we were going and i turned the headlights on and it killed the engine. wouldn't start again no spark. bought a new coil put it in started it up ran fine until i turned the headlights back on and again killed the motor won't start now. wtf it boggles my mind i don.t get it don't even know where to start. please anyone HELP me

[dem2757]

sounds like you have a hellish short circuit in the headlight and ignition wiring. the coil isnt supposed to touch a direct ground, or it will most likely short out.

presumably the headlight switch is doing that exactly. try testing with a multimeter to see if you have a ground at the ignition coil when the headlight switch is turned to on. (do this with the key in the ACC position) since your coil is already fried, itll be safe to perform. dont do it with a new coil

[Doctor J]

First check the fuses
Turn with ignition on,
check what lights are "on" on the instrument panel, and especially, if check engine light is "on" as well
the headlighs are loading the voltage regulator, which sends signal to ECU to increase the engine RPM
if headlight switch will short to the ground the lights will be always on