yet another problem :-( I hate electrics!
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yet another problem :-( I hate electrics!
I've lost my headlights dipped & full beam, downloaded the wiring diagram from fordification & can see that there is no fuse for headlights, fitted my new headlight switch & dimmer switch but no luck, had the grill & headlights apart to check wiring, everything looks connected and ok for 39 year old wiring, am I missing something?? checked bulbs in my other car & they are good.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,762
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From: Antelope Valley ,CA
I am pretty sure there's a headlight fuse .
if you have a multimeter check if you are getting 12v to headlight switch . if yes than pull switch on and check for 12v going out . could be a ground problem too .
you can also use one of those light bulb type testers , if you don't have a multimeter
if you have a multimeter check if you are getting 12v to headlight switch . if yes than pull switch on and check for 12v going out . could be a ground problem too .
you can also use one of those light bulb type testers , if you don't have a multimeter
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
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I am pretty sure there's a headlight fuse .
if you have a multimeter check if you are getting 12v to headlight switch . if yes than pull switch on and check for 12v going out . could be a ground problem too .
you can also use one of those light bulb type testers , if you don't have a multimeter
if you have a multimeter check if you are getting 12v to headlight switch . if yes than pull switch on and check for 12v going out . could be a ground problem too .
you can also use one of those light bulb type testers , if you don't have a multimeter
Will check for 12v going out when it warms up a bit or I can get it over to my friends workshop, supposed to be around freezing here for the next 2 weeks :-(
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,724
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From: Butler, IN
Easy......Check to see that there isn't an open in the wire leading to the dimmer or that the wire for the dimmer is connected properly. If your dimmer isn't getting power, the headlights won't work. May be corrosion. I have had wires that look clean but current wouldn't pass thru.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
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From: **** hole San Jose ca.
I had the same thing happen once about 15 yrs ago. Found the head light wiring harness plug where it connects to the harness plug coming out of the cab. It about mid way along the inner fender wall. Cleaned and put some socket grease on the the contacts plugged it back together and it's been good to this day. Also had the dimmer switch go out one night while driving through the desert one dark night on a lonely 2 way road. Not fun. The fix new switch was the fix.. I've heard that guy who live where it rains and snows a lot have trouble with the dimmer switch due to having wet or snow on their feet and using the dimmer. Or if the floor wet causes the dimmer switch to fail if it's been wet and the plug contacts get corroded from the salt that is use on the roads and it stop working.. maybe you problem..my 2cent
orich
orich
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Originally Posted by 19704x4F250
Easy......Check to see that there isn't an open in the wire leading to the dimmer or that the wire for the dimmer is connected properly. If your dimmer isn't getting power, the headlights won't work. May be corrosion. I have had wires that look clean but current wouldn't pass thru.
Originally Posted by Orich
I had the same thing happen once about 15 yrs ago. Found the head light wiring harness plug where it connects to the harness plug coming out of the cab. It about mid way along the inner fender wall. Cleaned and put some socket grease on the the contacts plugged it back together and it's been good to this day. Also had the dimmer switch go out one night while driving through the desert one dark night on a lonely 2 way road. Not fun. The fix new switch was the fix.. I've heard that guy who live where it rains and snows a lot have trouble with the dimmer switch due to having wet or snow on their feet and using the dimmer. Or if the floor wet causes the dimmer switch to fail if it's been wet and the plug contacts get corroded from the salt that is use on the roads and it stop working.. maybe you problem..my 2cent
orich
orich
thanks guys for your input there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel :-)
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Posting Guru
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From: Butler, IN
Please keep us updated as I would like to know what the problem was so we can help others in the future.
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Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Raphine, Virginia
Tracing your power flow will find your problem, and correct way to troubleshoot. Just to answer the fuse part, most headlight switches have a thermal breaker in them. Instead of just blowing one time, it will cool and reset, then kick again if still overloaded. That part can go bad.
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Hooray, finally sorted headlight problem, had to re wire from switch to dimmer to lights, can only guess that the old wires were breaking down & giving to much resistance, now looking at new complete loom to replace the whole lot for peace of mind.
Now 100% road legal & went through our British MOT 1st time, was told by tester " nice good solid truck for it's age" just a few small niggly rust bits to sort to smarten her up..
Now 100% road legal & went through our British MOT 1st time, was told by tester " nice good solid truck for it's age" just a few small niggly rust bits to sort to smarten her up..
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