Headlight Electrical Problem
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2011
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Headlight Electrical Problem
When I turn on my headlights they will stay on for a solid ten minutes and then out of nowhere will go on and off the rest of the way i tried checking the grounds but that doesn't help. When I hold my high beams on the highs stay on and you can see the regular lights flicker and the amber lights will stay on but everyone hates driving into high beams but that's better than no headlights at all. Like I've said I have checked all my headlight grounds do you think it could be my headlight pull switch on the dash board that just needs to be replaced?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 318
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From: Portage Des Sioux, Mo
There should be a circuit breaker for the headlights, not a fuse. If the lights are pulling to much current the breaker will trip, but it is a thermal breaker so when it cools off it will make contact again until it heats back up. What doesn't make sense though is that the brights work. I believe the highs and lows use same breaker. At work don't have my wiring diagram with me.
Have you added additional lights that pull more load? You could have a short somewhere, but that would not normally be intermittent and would kill lights quicker.
Have you added additional lights that pull more load? You could have a short somewhere, but that would not normally be intermittent and would kill lights quicker.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 318
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From: Portage Des Sioux, Mo
I assume you are talking about a '94. Looking at the schematics. Looks like Ford used a fuseable link and not a circuit breaker. The power from the light switch goes to the "multi-function" switch (headlight/turn signal), then is switched for high or low beam. That being said, the problem has to be in the "multi-function switch or some where past it. If it was before switch it would affect both high and low. Problem probably in switch in column. Wire from Multi-function switch to high beams is Light green/black to wire to low beams is red/black. If you could find a spot to tap in and run direct to lights it would verify if it is switch or not. Use a fuse in case it is a problem with a short. Do you have day time running lights, if so some other things to check
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 318
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From: Portage Des Sioux, Mo
My truck is older so can't compare. Used to have a '95 so going from old memory. I believe there is a connector under dash on top of steering column. You might be able to tap into wiring there for testing, but don't think you should drive with that disconnected you will have no brake/tail lights.
I don't think it is the case on the ford. But I have worked on vehicles that had multiple wires with the same color coding but different size for different purposes. Might check before hooking into one.
I don't think it is the case on the ford. But I have worked on vehicles that had multiple wires with the same color coding but different size for different purposes. Might check before hooking into one.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 912
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From: Marianna, Florida USA
You need to put relays on the headlights to take the load off of the Headlight switch. Check this out, it will explain what you need to do: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...t-upgrade.html 
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2011
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Haha as will I. I'm also reading this article, looks easy enough. Whiter Whites, Brighter Brights .: Articles