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1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Bumpsides Ford Truck

Lights Flickering...

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Old Jan 24, 2015 | 09:51 PM
  #1  
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Lights Flickering...

Ok. Here is what I have. All lights flicker on and off (sometimes) until they just stay off. Especially when it rains. I replaced the high beam switch and it seemed to fix the problem but the lights started flickering again recently. I'm going to go through all of the grounds, but I wanted to check to see if anyone had any other suggestions for me to check out. Thanks in advance.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2015 | 10:19 PM
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Headlight switch is prolly oveheating due to the headlight's current going through the switch. Consider installing a headlight relay system to reduce the load on the switch.

$30 from LMC or build your own: Whiter Whites, Brighter Brights - Ford Trucks
 
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Old Jan 24, 2015 | 10:27 PM
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You can check the grounds each headlight has its own ground. You have full power to the lights going through the headlight switch and the dimmer switch, this can cause them to overheat and arc out.
 
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Old Jan 24, 2015 | 11:22 PM
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So, the headlights flickered and failed from the factory like that?
 
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Old Jan 24, 2015 | 11:30 PM
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Well ... I shall watch this one ....
 
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Old Jan 24, 2015 | 11:31 PM
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Yes they did. I want forget the first time it happened to me. I had just bought a 67 when it happened and the truck wasn't but 2 year old in 1969.
The best thing to do is make sure the switches are good and install relays as HIO said
 
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Old Jan 24, 2015 | 11:32 PM
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This was a common occurrence? BS
 
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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 05:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Tedster9
This was a common occurrence? BS
Oh yes sir indeed it was, I thought they all of that era did it.

Big PLUS 2 on HIO and the Whiter Brighter Lights using relays by Steve Delanty. I did this years ago and mine haven't blinked since.


John
 
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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 07:05 AM
  #9  
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Wow. Thanks for the info! Looks like I'm going by the parts store today. I will let you know how it goes.
 
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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 08:49 AM
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Mine were doing it too. I tried the lmc relay kit but it didn't work at all. Ended up going back to factory wiring with a new switch. Problem solved.
 
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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by jowilker
Oh yes sir indeed it was, I thought they all of that era did it.

John
John's right that's how then used to wire all the cars and trucks.
 
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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 09:15 AM
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Originally Posted by jowilker
Oh yes sir indeed it was, I thought they all of that era did it.
You guys are smokin' your socks. On brand new cars and trucks, all of them were defective. Nobody drove at night in those days?
 
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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 09:33 AM
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It takes awhile for it to start. But it is a factory problem.
 
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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 09:44 AM
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Heavy loads on a electrical connection that is not robust enough to tote the load .....
Issues shall arise . Ever have your headlamps go out at 3 am after a few suds and driving a bit fast on a country road ?
I have ....
 
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Old Jan 25, 2015 | 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Tedster9
You guys are smokin' your socks. On brand new cars and trucks, all of them were defective. Nobody drove at night in those days?
Call it BS all you want and stay in the dark about it.

Personally, I wouldn't say it was defective... not just well engineered.

Simple aging, heat cycles, and accumulation of dust/dirt on terminals results in marginal increases in resistance... resistance equals heat. Heat is what that lil bimetallic strip reacts to and the lights cycle on and off.
 
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