Notices
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Strange headlight issue...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 01-26-2014, 01:06 PM
Monteg0's Avatar
Monteg0
Monteg0 is offline
Senior User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Lincoln, NE
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Strange headlight issue...

Anyone else had this happen?

Yesterday morning I got up early to go to work and when I turned on my headlights, neither headlight lit up. I quickly surmised my headlight switch had gone bad, since at some point I've had to replace one in every ford of this vintage I've owned. After work, I picked one up at Napa, swapped it in, but still had no headlights.

At this point I grabbed my test light, and started testing wiring. While I was doing that I accidentally stepped on the high beam switch and the high beams came on! I hit it again, and I had low beams... So I shut them off and back on. No lights until I hit the high/ low switch again. I bought a new high low switch but haven't put it in yet. I guess maybe it's shorting out? I've never had this happen before but it makes sense that the circuit runs through that switch.
 
  #2  
Old 01-26-2014, 01:47 PM
White 97 xlt's Avatar
White 97 xlt
White 97 xlt is offline
Postmaster
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Cleveland, TN
Posts: 4,728
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Originally Posted by Monteg0
Anyone else had this happen?

Yesterday morning I got up early to go to work and when I turned on my headlights, neither headlight lit up. I quickly surmised my headlight switch had gone bad, since at some point I've had to replace one in every ford of this vintage I've owned. After work, I picked one up at Napa, swapped it in, but still had no headlights.

At this point I grabbed my test light, and started testing wiring. While I was doing that I accidentally stepped on the high beam switch and the high beams came on! I hit it again, and I had low beams... So I shut them off and back on. No lights until I hit the high/ low switch again. I bought a new high low switch but haven't put it in yet. I guess maybe it's shorting out? I've never had this happen before but it makes sense that the circuit runs through that switch.

Very common with the floor mounted dimmer switches.. While replacing it be sure to check the dimmer switch plug , it may be toast also..
 
  #3  
Old 01-26-2014, 04:35 PM
Monteg0's Avatar
Monteg0
Monteg0 is offline
Senior User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Lincoln, NE
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by White 97 xlt
Very common with the floor mounted dimmer switches.. While replacing it be sure to check the dimmer switch plug , it may be toast also..
Huh. I've had 4 fail over the years, they either didn't do anything or wouldn't push at all.

I'll definitely give the plug and harness a good check over, thanks for the tip!
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Twilight Fenrir
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
16
09-22-2012 01:13 PM
70_F250_390
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
02-18-2011 10:15 AM
grams72
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
8
09-23-2009 08:48 PM
eman resu
Electrical Systems/Wiring
6
02-20-2007 08:56 PM
GregTruck
Electrical Systems/Wiring
5
12-07-2004 08:20 PM



Quick Reply: Strange headlight issue...



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:01 PM.