Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Reason headlights not working

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 24, 2015 | 07:21 PM
  #1  
Eddillard79's Avatar
Eddillard79
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
Reason headlights not working

I need some suggestions. I have a 85' F350 w460. My headlights stopped working on me a few days ago. All the marker, taillights, and turn signals work. I checked my fuses, and I replaced the dimmer switch (high/low beam). It didn't help. Do I need to try replacing my headlight switch? Can it be as simple as both headlight bulbs going out at the same time?
 
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2015 | 07:36 PM
  #2  
Gary Lewis's Avatar
Gary Lewis
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Not likely to be both headlights going out at the same time. Much more likely to be the wire leading to the switch, or the switch itself. The wire is a known failure point, so look at the wires to/from the switch for melting, burning, etc.
 
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2015 | 07:45 PM
  #3  
Eddillard79's Avatar
Eddillard79
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
Ok thanks. I'll try that tomorrow & I'll give an update
 
Reply
Old Jul 24, 2015 | 09:57 PM
  #4  
Franklin2's Avatar
Franklin2
Moderator
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,999
Likes: 2,746
From: Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
An easy thing to do is get a testlight or voltmeter and then pull the new dimmer switch back off the floor. Pull the connector out just a little bit so you can probe the terminals, and then turn the headlight switch on. If you have voltage down at the dimmer switch, you know the headlight switch is working. If you don't, you know the problem is at the headlight switch.
 
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2015 | 05:54 PM
  #5  
Eddillard79's Avatar
Eddillard79
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
Ok I found the problem. It's a few melted wires going into my dimmer switch.

My question now is, can I just cut & splice where the wires are melted at? Or do I have to completely re-run the wires from where ever they came from?
 
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2015 | 07:29 PM
  #6  
Gary Lewis's Avatar
Gary Lewis
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
You can cut and splice, assuming there isn't damage elsewhere. BUT, you have to fix whatever caused the problem first, or it'll come right back. If the problem was a bad dimmer switch or connections thereunto, replacing the switch and connectors, along with replacing the wire that is melted, should do it.
 
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2015 | 02:41 PM
  #7  
bcamill's Avatar
bcamill
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Check the dimmer switch on the floor. If the connector there becomes loose, then all markers will work, but no headlights.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jose A.
Aerostar
11
Nov 24, 2015 10:40 AM
1979Ford33
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Aug 19, 2014 06:38 PM
fmansfield444
Aerostar
19
Jun 23, 2011 03:34 PM
blucollar4xford
Electrical Systems/Wiring
7
Jan 8, 2011 08:40 AM
co298s
1997 - 2003 F150
4
Jan 10, 2004 11:47 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:56 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE