Headlights dimming
#1
#2
#3
Originally Posted by JCastellaw
My headlights are dimming and going out, then coming back on. I also noticed my instrument cluster doing the same but at diffrent times. I think its my headlight switch. and I think it is hard to remove. Any ideas?????
1966/76 (before serial number C25,000) = D3ZZ-11654-A .. H/L Switch (Motorcraft SW-1245)
1976/77 (after serial number C25,000) = D7TZ-11654-B .. H/L Switch (Motorcraft SW-1382)
Last edited by NumberDummy; 12-03-2007 at 10:52 AM.
#6
#7
Trending Topics
#8
#12
Little note about headlights, the old sealed beams required less juice to run than the newer halogens. There is a circuit breaker built into the head light switch, it may not be adequate for the newer headlights. I have had good luck with my old fords just by replacing the headlight switch with an aftermarket switch from your local jobber.
As for the starter problem, if you think the starter is getting hot, you can fab up a sheetmetal guard between the exhaust and the starter. If the cause is the timing you need to retard it.
On all engines regardless of direction the distributor turns, if you PULL on the vacuum line you will advance the distributor, if you PUSH on the vacuum line you will retard it.
As for the starter problem, if you think the starter is getting hot, you can fab up a sheetmetal guard between the exhaust and the starter. If the cause is the timing you need to retard it.
On all engines regardless of direction the distributor turns, if you PULL on the vacuum line you will advance the distributor, if you PUSH on the vacuum line you will retard it.
#13
You should check the connector that plugs into the headlight switch and the dimmer switch. If it is loose or the terminals are corroded, it could cause your problem.
When are the lights acting up? On bumpy roads? After they've been on a while? Do they dim just at idle? Does having them on high beam or low beam remedy the problem? Are both headlights affected? Turn the lights on and shake the wiring from the headlights all the way to the dimmer switch and light switch to see if you can make them malfunction. You can also get rig up a test light to the dimmer switch to verify whether it is a ground or power problem.
The circuits for the dash lighting and the headlights are separate, so you may be dealing with 2 different issues. The dash lights are grounded through the dash via the bulb receptacles. Are the switch and heater control illumination panels going out with the cluster lights (if they work)?
You shouldn't have any problem with an off the shelf replacement halogen headlamp, if your system is in good shape otherwise. However the more expensive, high wattage halogen h4's will cause a lot of problems without upgrading the wiring and adding relays.
Jason
When are the lights acting up? On bumpy roads? After they've been on a while? Do they dim just at idle? Does having them on high beam or low beam remedy the problem? Are both headlights affected? Turn the lights on and shake the wiring from the headlights all the way to the dimmer switch and light switch to see if you can make them malfunction. You can also get rig up a test light to the dimmer switch to verify whether it is a ground or power problem.
The circuits for the dash lighting and the headlights are separate, so you may be dealing with 2 different issues. The dash lights are grounded through the dash via the bulb receptacles. Are the switch and heater control illumination panels going out with the cluster lights (if they work)?
You shouldn't have any problem with an off the shelf replacement halogen headlamp, if your system is in good shape otherwise. However the more expensive, high wattage halogen h4's will cause a lot of problems without upgrading the wiring and adding relays.
Jason
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Steve J.
1968-Present E-Series Van/Cutaway/Chassis
7
12-10-2015 03:03 AM
joners
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
6
08-26-2007 05:30 PM