1981 Ford headlights shut off
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1981 Ford headlights shut off
I'm having some troubles with my truck. After driving at night with my headlights on for a while, my lights will go out and come back on a few times. When it does that, I switch from brights to dims and they work. Once in a while, it does it on dims too. My first guess was a dimmer switch. I changed it and Im still having troubles. Any ideas? Maybe shorting out? Bad switch?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
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From: Denver Metro Area, CO
The headlight switch has a circuit breaker built into it, this can happen if the connections are bad, the wiring is melted, whatever.
I would remove the switch and investigate the wiring, clean/repair as necessary.
I would remove the switch and investigate the wiring, clean/repair as necessary.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
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many an old truck have had the headlight switch and/or its connector melt down or fall apart. since you've looked at the switch on the floor, the one on the dash is your next step.
note that most parts stores do offer a new connector for the headlight switch, as so many of them fail
note that most parts stores do offer a new connector for the headlight switch, as so many of them fail
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
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From: Northern California
The Headlamp switch itself can "wear out", get dirty etc... as well as the above suggestions.
Especially check the tan wire going to the headlamp switch connector for melting.
I would think about replacing the switch as well if the switch is dirty or if the ceramic disc on the switch doesn't look clean or looks brown. It should be white etc...
Also check the headlamp connectors at the headlights. My headlamp circut breaker was triggering whenever it was damp or foggy out. Some white lithium grease in the connectors fixed that problem.
Especially check the tan wire going to the headlamp switch connector for melting.
I would think about replacing the switch as well if the switch is dirty or if the ceramic disc on the switch doesn't look clean or looks brown. It should be white etc...
Also check the headlamp connectors at the headlights. My headlamp circut breaker was triggering whenever it was damp or foggy out. Some white lithium grease in the connectors fixed that problem.
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kyle.demoss40
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Oct 6, 2013 01:20 PM
