Headlights Not Working
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New User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 15
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From: Ludlow, KY
Headlights Not Working
I have an 86 Ford aerostar and the headlights are not working the way they should be. I believe the problem is in the turn signal switch because if i turn the headlight switch on, and then tap on the steering column the low beams will come on. but then as soon as a pull the flash to pass on the high beams flash and then the low beams go back off.
I replaced the turn signal switch and the problem still persists. Does anyone know which wires coming from the turn signal switch could be responsible for this?
I do not have a digital dash, if it matters. Thanks
I replaced the turn signal switch and the problem still persists. Does anyone know which wires coming from the turn signal switch could be responsible for this?
I do not have a digital dash, if it matters. Thanks
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
The overload of the headlight switch will overload the dimmer switch as well; the same current flows through that as does the main headlight switch. If they are burnt, you have no choice but to replace them. You should install relays for the headlights to take the load off of them so this won't happen again.
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New User
Joined: May 2011
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From: Ludlow, KY
And no I've checked for pinched wires, and I'm not sure that would be the case because the headlights stopped working before i swapped the t/s switch.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
is this your HL switch?
Rockauto our site sponsor
ACDELCO Part # F801 More Information About this Part {#12321673} Includes dimmer function
SWITCH,HDLP & HDLP DIMR & PARK & T/SIG LP
* Non-stock item--shipping delayed up to 5 business days
used on most 1980s Ford products
sure it isn't your HL relay?
Rockauto our site sponsor
ACDELCO Part # F801 More Information About this Part {#12321673} Includes dimmer function
SWITCH,HDLP & HDLP DIMR & PARK & T/SIG LP
* Non-stock item--shipping delayed up to 5 business days
used on most 1980s Ford products
sure it isn't your HL relay?
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Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 15
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From: Ludlow, KY
is this your HL switch?
Rockauto our site sponsor
ACDELCO Part # F801 More Information About this Part {#12321673} Includes dimmer function
SWITCH,HDLP & HDLP DIMR & PARK & T/SIG LP
* Non-stock item--shipping delayed up to 5 business days
used on most 1980s Ford products
sure it isn't your HL relay?
Rockauto our site sponsor
ACDELCO Part # F801 More Information About this Part {#12321673} Includes dimmer function
SWITCH,HDLP & HDLP DIMR & PARK & T/SIG LP
* Non-stock item--shipping delayed up to 5 business days
used on most 1980s Ford products
sure it isn't your HL relay?
No that is my turnsignal switch. Here is a picture of my Headlight switch
NOS 1986 FORD AEROSTAR HEAD LIGHT SWITCH (E69Z-11654-A) | eBay
Its really close to the headlight switches in other 80's Aerostars shown here:
ford aerostar Headlight Switch Standard Ignition
But I found one of these at a junkyard and it wont fit and connections are different, but maybe I can splice my wires to get it to work with the different switch.
And I'm not sure about the Headlight relay. This could be the problem, where is it at?
Currently i have my headlights wired to my ignition just so that i can drive my van, but all original wiring is still there, i only added wires and such.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
I didn't think these vans came with relays from the factory. That's part of the problem; the high current running through the headlight and turn signal switches burn them out.
A relay installed near the headlights will make them run brighter, and reduce the load on the switches and wiring harnesses. I think there is a sticky topic on this.
A relay installed near the headlights will make them run brighter, and reduce the load on the switches and wiring harnesses. I think there is a sticky topic on this.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: NEPA
if you know which connection is which on the switch. Just get the right female connectors and some wire. Proceed to place in switch from junkyard and if all work ok use expand foam and fill in gap.
fast and easy fix if it needs to be done again with a simple pull of wires and put in another then fill it.
I would say hot glue but that is a pain with wires if need to be removed.
fast and easy fix if it needs to be done again with a simple pull of wires and put in another then fill it.
I would say hot glue but that is a pain with wires if need to be removed.
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New User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 15
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From: Ludlow, KY
if you know which connection is which on the switch. Just get the right female connectors and some wire. Proceed to place in switch from junkyard and if all work ok use expand foam and fill in gap.
fast and easy fix if it needs to be done again with a simple pull of wires and put in another then fill it.
I would say hot glue but that is a pain with wires if need to be removed.
fast and easy fix if it needs to be done again with a simple pull of wires and put in another then fill it.
I would say hot glue but that is a pain with wires if need to be removed.
Although having them wired to ignition is kinda growing on me. It's like having DRL's. Only no high beam
Trailering
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15
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From: Mountain View, Calif.
I have a 90 Aerostar whose headlight switch is intermittent. Sadly, the switches are not available new, so I'm interested in your wiring project to use a switch from a different year.
Can you point me to instructions on removing the panel that holds the headlight switch?
Can you point me to instructions on removing the panel that holds the headlight switch?
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New User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 15
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From: Ludlow, KY
well im pretty sure the switch im going to try to use on my 86 is from a 90. so if you have a junkyard in your area you could probably find the exact one you need. only reason i cant find the one i need is because it was only used for the 86 year. you should be able to use one anywhere from 87 to 91
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,015
Likes: 208
From: SoCal
To keep that used switch working longer, install a set of relays to handle the high currents going to the head lights. There may be pre-made harnesses for these standard 200mm hi/lo sealed beams. But if not, you can make your own easily enough. A wiring diagram will help, but it's not necessary. If you're making your own, the best way is to intercept the wires going to the headlights near the battery tray. Take the end of the wires (hi/lo) coming from the switch to drive the relay coils. Run positive wire from the battery to one side of the contacts, and run wires from the other side of the contacts to the other end of the wires that you cut, going to the light bulbs.