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1957 - 1960 F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Box Style Ford Trucks

Headlight problem

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Old Aug 2, 2015 | 01:47 PM
  #1  
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Headlight problem

I've only had my 59 F100 a couple of weeks and I'm working my way through a lot of issues. Electrically, it's a mess but my headlights worked fine until I needed them. OK, high beams work low beams don't. Low beams work on high. So, I don't think it the switch, it may be the only wiring circuit on the truck that is not butchered. I went to check out the dimmer switch and holy contortionist, how do you get to it? I'm thinking just take out the screws and let fall out the hole and then fish it back in the same way. I seem to remember most passenger cars having all the wiring and the switch mounted inside the floor of the car. It's hot and I have to work at 11PM, I'll revisit this issue later in the week, but really, it that how it's done, fish and pray? Can I put a newer passenger car switch inside the car and rewire it?
 
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Old Aug 2, 2015 | 07:39 PM
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Dosen't it just set on the floor and the wires plug into the side of it? Like the ones here:1949-1959 Late Ford & Mercury Headlight Switches - Macs Auto Parts
 
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Old Aug 2, 2015 | 09:20 PM
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Johnny I scanned this from my shop manual!


Hopefully it is helpful.
This shop manual is still readily available off E-buy, either paper or digital. If you hang on to your truck it will save you plenty over the long haul.
Good luck in your quest!
 
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Old Aug 3, 2015 | 09:07 AM
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Thanks, I opened my mouth before my brain was fully engaged. The switch comes in through the inside but all the connections are out side. When I pull the switch inside, where do you think the connections will be? It was hot out. Any way, this problem is so random, one time the lights work the next maybe maybe not. I know headlights are on a relay not a fuse but they don't stay off that long if that's the prob. Once again, I think wiring and switches. There is a wiring harness and new switches in my very near future. Thanks to wiring posts on this forum, I think I'm going with an EZ Wire kit and new switches. It would be a good time to move the connections for the dimmer inside the cab. Thanks.
 
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Old Aug 3, 2015 | 09:49 AM
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just what i needed

Originally Posted by theodore/teddy
Johnny I scanned this from my shop manual!


Hopefully it is helpful.
This shop manual is still readily available off E-buy, either paper or digital. If you hang on to your truck it will save you plenty over the long haul.
Good luck in your quest!


thanks teddy!! im rewiring my 59 and had been looking for this to clarify things
 
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Old Aug 3, 2015 | 11:29 PM
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LOW Beam Circuit Breaker is bad. Your welcome.
 
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Old Aug 4, 2015 | 09:38 AM
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Is that relay under the dash or near the the headlights?
 
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Old Aug 4, 2015 | 05:27 PM
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My book says it should be mounted on the lower edge of instrument panel, however mine was always on the firewall above the master cylinders in the engine compartment. Small metal box two studs.
 
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