my headlights randomly cut off after extended periods of driving

[rampage_989]

I've got an 82 ford f-150 302 under the hood and i have a problem the headlights cut out after about an hour or so of driving at night, i've checked all the books and went over the wiring harness i don't understand unless there is some type of temparture short in the line somewhere that keeps cutting them off

any suggestions??

[hotrodford_88]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 26-Nov-00 AT 11:27*PM (EST)[/font][p]Sounds like a typical headlight switch circuit breaker. The early model Mustangs (60's) have this same problem over time. The circuit breaker in the headlight switch overheats and cuts the lights out. Once it cools off again the lights kick back on.

I don't think headlight switches are that expensive for your truck.

"You can always tell a Chevy owner, You just can't tell them very much."

[Rosati]

[thelonerangerxlt]

Rampage, I agree with Hotrod. Switches aren't hard to change; just push the button on the switch (behind the dash) and pull to remove the knob.

"Nothing lasts forever except natural stone and old Ford trucks." (Willie Nelson)

[rampage_989]

k i may be running myself in circles here but i just want a clarification, replace the whole switch or the circuit breaker to the switch? if its the circuit breaker then where could i find it? the switch..ah thats no trouble at all!

[fordiesel69]

The circuit breaker is inside the headlight switch. A new switch usually costs about $10. You should also replace the Hi/Low beam switch in the floor, about $3. Mine almost caught on fire yesterday because the water corroded the contacts inside. That switch will also load the circuit if it is bad and cause the circuit breaker to click off.