losing another headlight switch - why
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
Likes: 1
losing another headlight switch - why
in my 83 F250, i've replaced the headlight switch at least once before, with a new motorcraft switch. due to various meltdowns, both the headlights and marker lights are wired on relays.
i was driving it tonight and found that if i turn on the dome light, i lose the dash lights. i can't see any way this would be a problem with its socket, so i guess i've got another bad switch. its kinda irritating since its only a few years old and hasn't been driven a ton in that time
i was driving it tonight and found that if i turn on the dome light, i lose the dash lights. i can't see any way this would be a problem with its socket, so i guess i've got another bad switch. its kinda irritating since its only a few years old and hasn't been driven a ton in that time
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Turning on the dome light takes the dash lights off the wirewound rheostat and delivers full power, doesn't it?
Hard to imagine it is an overheating problem if all your exterior lights are relayed.
Subscribing just to see how this resolves.
Hard to imagine it is an overheating problem if all your exterior lights are relayed.
Subscribing just to see how this resolves.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,636
Likes: 5
From: Orlando area
Did you check (or replace) the electrical connector to the headlight switch when you replaced the switch. You may have an overheated the connector during the previous switch failure resulting in the wires now having poor contact to the switch terminals. If that is the case, there would be higher than normal resistance between the wire terminal ends and switch terminals in the connector which would cause heat build up and premature failure of your new switch.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,976
Likes: 2,733
From: Virginia
I thought this is the way it worked also; Turn the **** all the way to the left, the domelight comes on, the dash lights go out. If you do not turn the **** enough back to the right, the domelight is off and the dash lights don't work either.
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Perhaps my '87 switch is different.
On mine when you turn the switch to full brightness there is a click beyond that for the dome light.
If the headlights are off (**** in) you have no dash lights anyhow.
But if the **** is in middle (park or running lights) the instrument lights are on and remain on and the interior lights come on too.
On mine when you turn the switch to full brightness there is a click beyond that for the dome light.
If the headlights are off (**** in) you have no dash lights anyhow.
But if the **** is in middle (park or running lights) the instrument lights are on and remain on and the interior lights come on too.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 8,786
Likes: 28
From: Northern California
Perhaps my '87 switch is different.
On mine when you turn the switch to full brightness there is a click beyond that for the dome light.
If the headlights are off (**** in) you have no dash lights anyhow.
But if the **** is in middle (park or running lights) the instrument lights are on and remain on and the interior lights come on too.
On mine when you turn the switch to full brightness there is a click beyond that for the dome light.
If the headlights are off (**** in) you have no dash lights anyhow.
But if the **** is in middle (park or running lights) the instrument lights are on and remain on and the interior lights come on too.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
Likes: 1
in the past the instrument lights would always stay on when i turned the dome light on, assuming the headlights or parking lights were on. well i was driving at night with the lights on, hit the dome light to check the vacuum gage, and the dash went dark. i wiggled the switch, and they flickered on and off, which points to bad connections in the switch.
the plug on top of the switch was not replaced, though it should have been. maybe i should start with that, and inspect the switch as i'm at it.
i've never had that dead spot in the switch that franklin describes, not in any of my rigs.
the plug on top of the switch was not replaced, though it should have been. maybe i should start with that, and inspect the switch as i'm at it.
i've never had that dead spot in the switch that franklin describes, not in any of my rigs.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 38
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Josh,
When you have it out look closely at the 'arm' that rides on the rheostat spring when you click it over to the dome light position.
Last time I lost my dash lights the little arm had fallen off completely.
When you have it out look closely at the 'arm' that rides on the rheostat spring when you click it over to the dome light position.
Last time I lost my dash lights the little arm had fallen off completely.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
80f250ranger
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Apr 22, 2013 06:08 PM
SmallBlockV8
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Oct 13, 2009 08:29 AM