I'm having some problems with my headlights turning on and off while my 1966 f100 is running. It first started when I had to jump start a buddy and in the middle of doing so the lights started turning off and on,the heater blower motor slowed down and the truck idle slowed. After getting the car started my heater recovered and the truck ran find however my light will not stay on. I checked the ground and it was fine. Any suggestions?

 

Have you checked the voltage regulator?

 

No i haven't checked the voltage regulator not even sure where that would be.

 

Not sure exactly what's happening there, though note the headlight switch has an integral circuit breaker.

 

I'm not sure I even have a voltage regulator

 

should look something like this


its just a thought. Unless you have converted to a single wire alternator you have a voltage regulator. Its a square box and mine is mounted on the passenger wheel well. If I am not mistaken it has 3 prongs. The headlight switch would be a good idea to check as well.

 

Pic: This is the points type original alternator regulator. The one above is the electronic alternator regular that replaced it in 1982.

The wiring harness is the same for both the original and the electronic regulator.

Headlamps turning off/on while driving could be a defective dimmer switch. Next time this occurs, step on it, see what happens.

 

is there an electronic VR for generator trucks?

 

AFAIK, Ford never offered an electronic generator regulator, as the last year generators were installed was in 1964.

Ford used similar alternators from 1965 into the 1990's, replaced the original points type regulator with the electronic regulator (E2PZ-10316-A) in 1982.

This part number was replaced in 1990 by FOPZ-10316-A.

 

There is a solid state Bosch unit, ask for a regulator for a '72 VW bug.

 

I'm with Bill on this, sounds like the dimmer switch may be bad.

 

Lights coming on and off is usually caused by the circuit breaker in the headlight switch. This happens when there is a short in the wiring, headlight switch or dimmer switch. Voltage regulator probably has nothing to do with it..

 

Thanks for the help guys.

 

Thanks for the help.