Intermittent headlights please help
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Intermittent headlights please help
Got a '80 F100 that picked up a gremlin in the headlights comin home from deer huntin a couple of weeks ago. Has anybody else had intermittent lights on a '80 model? Any advice would be much appreciated.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2010
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I second that. I had a similar issue on my Dodge. I would be bombing down the freeway and the lights would shut off and kick right back on. One day I smelled burning plastic and then my lights went out suddenly and I had to use a spotlight to get home on a deserted back road. I pulled the switch and it was burnt to hell. I replaced it with a toggle. I personally love the look of toggles more then the stock switch, but I am not too sure how it can be wired into a ford. I would assume a 3 way would work, off, 1 is parking lights tail lights, interior lights, second is everything but the interior light.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
What he said, there is a circuit breaker built into the switch so that could be the problem. You didnt say exactly whats wrong with them so if that doesnt sound like it could be the problem try to explain exactly what its doing. A lot of times the plug in the harness that plugs into the headlight switch melts so look at that if you're replacing the switch. Repair plugs with pigtails are available if needed.
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Thanks for the suggestions. I checked the dimmer switch with a meter. Seems fine. Now...please...somebody tell me how to get to the backside of that stupid switch in the dash. That is one ridiculous design from a service standpoint. No, wait. Ah, increased labor cost at the shop. I can't get the switch out!!!
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That's exactly what's happnin'. On the way home from deer huntin the other night thought I was gonna have to use a Q-beam to light the way. Rudolph wasn't available. Now...any hints about how to get the stupid dash switch out. Man, bout ready to shoot somethin'.
Gracias
Gracias
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I meant...that's exactly what's happnin' Rogue Wulff
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The **** and stem are one piece. Stem must be held in switch with some kind of set screw. It looks like you have to get to the back side of the dash. Man, I got screws out from one side to the other. Very p.o.'d right now. I b's needin my huntin truck!
New User
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Intermittent headlights is a common flaw in the stock ford design...due to a component in the headlight switch that cuts out temporarily when overheated. Replacing the headlight switch not a permanent fix.
Also, the crappy design causes a noticeable (2-3 volt) voltage drop measured at the headlight terminals, which makes for dimmer headlights.
This has been addressed in the great tech note here: Whiter Whites, Brighter Brights .: Articles
I switched to a relay system, and using silverstar lamps, makes for much better night vision, and no dangerous headlight failures when driving down the road!!
Also, the crappy design causes a noticeable (2-3 volt) voltage drop measured at the headlight terminals, which makes for dimmer headlights.
This has been addressed in the great tech note here: Whiter Whites, Brighter Brights .: Articles
I switched to a relay system, and using silverstar lamps, makes for much better night vision, and no dangerous headlight failures when driving down the road!!
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Northern California
The 1980 are notorious for having wiring issues at the headlamp switch. Burned wires at the connector, etc... Make sure you check this over really carefully when installing the new switch. Also Halogen headlamps were not standard on the 1980. If you have halogen headlamps, the extra draw may trigger your circut breaker in the headlamp switch. The headlamp switch and wiring is 1980 only. You cannot use a 1981-1986 headlamp switch in a 1980.
The 1981-1986 are a better design, but still have issues. 1981 is the first year for halogen headlamps as standard equipment.
The 1981-1986 are a better design, but still have issues. 1981 is the first year for halogen headlamps as standard equipment.