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

Headlight problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 1, 2016 | 03:27 PM
  #1  
dudef150's Avatar
dudef150
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Headlight problem

I have a 93 f250 351 4x4 ..... The headlights will go out and come back on constantly while driving ..... I have replaced the headlight switch and the block that plugs into it but still have the same problem also it does not matter if its on dim or hi beam.....to my way of thinking it acts like a relay getting hot and opening and closing but i checked the relays in the power dist box under hood and none are for headlights .... Is there one somewhere else idk about.... Or any suggestions what to look for i am lost at this point... Thnks
 
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2016 | 06:04 PM
  #2  
444dieselrod's Avatar
444dieselrod
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 4
From: Braham MN
Full headlight power goes through the dash switch, I am not sure where the hi low relay is but it would go through that too.

It's possible the daytime running light plug is giving you fits, it's on the front of the rad support, drivers side, just a few wires that end at the plug.
 
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2016 | 06:11 PM
  #3  
dudef150's Avatar
dudef150
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Ok .... This truck doesnt hace drl's
 
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2016 | 06:23 PM
  #4  
444dieselrod's Avatar
444dieselrod
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 4
From: Braham MN
Originally Posted by dudef150
Ok .... This truck doesnt hace drl's
The wiring is in all trucks, they just put a shorting plug in place of the module and I 'think' all headlight power goes through it still.
 
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2016 | 08:50 AM
  #5  
dudef150's Avatar
dudef150
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Ok so far no luck i checked the above items i am wondering now if problem is in turn signal arm?
 
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2016 | 09:00 AM
  #6  
Brain's 97 Diesel's Avatar
Brain's 97 Diesel
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Willow Grove, PA
check the plugs on the back of the HL bulbs, if the lock clip is broken they can vibrate loose. also check grounds going to lights could be broken in harness. Occurs when still, moving, bumpy, on long time or short, any & all?
 
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2016 | 02:28 PM
  #7  
rla2005's Avatar
rla2005
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,789
Likes: 1,753
From: Kentucky
Originally Posted by dudef150
Ok so far no luck i checked the above items i am wondering now if problem is in turn signal arm?
I suspect a problem with the Multi-Function switch as well:


Each headlamp has a separate ground. If they both are flicking it is most likely on the supply side or common connector such as C202
 
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2016 | 04:34 PM
  #8  
R&RFord's Avatar
R&RFord
Fleet Mechanic
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 367
From: Candy Mountain
Check grounds and check for loose wires going into connectors.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-4

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-9

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
Old Apr 6, 2016 | 02:42 PM
  #9  
dudef150's Avatar
dudef150
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Ok i will do that .... I replaced the multi switch and that wasnt it .....this is quickly beckming a nightmare the eletrical side is not my strong suit
 
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2016 | 02:53 PM
  #10  
rla2005's Avatar
rla2005
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,789
Likes: 1,753
From: Kentucky
Did you test the voltage going into then back out of the multi-function switch? I would suggest a simple test light since a high impedance DVM may give you phantom voltage readings since it does not load the circuit enough.
 
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2016 | 03:58 PM
  #11  
dudef150's Avatar
dudef150
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
When lights are on and engine not running its showing 9.7 volts at fuse ..... Gonna try to get them to go off and on and c if i lose power at fuse block then try to work out from there
 
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2016 | 04:00 PM
  #12  
rla2005's Avatar
rla2005
Fleet Owner
20 Year Member
Community Builder
Liked
Community Favorite
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,789
Likes: 1,753
From: Kentucky
9.7V? that's way too low. Either you have a very poor connection or something is pulling a ton of current. Which would explain why the circuit breaker is opening and closing.......
 
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2016 | 04:14 PM
  #13  
Tedster9's Avatar
Tedster9
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
You can isolate exactly WHERE the offending voltage drop is actually occuring by performing the tests outlined here:

http://www.aa1car.com/library/voltage_drop_testing.htm

It's easy! Don't let those automotive electrons scare you too much. The battery can cause trouble, but just be careful. Take your ring and watch off, and don't short the posts.

All that's needed here is a voltmeter, nothing has to be disassembled or disconnected. Anything more than a couple few tenths of a single volt on either side of a circuit is considered excessive. Since electricity always takes the easiest route, by bridging our voltmeter across any two points in parallel while the circuit is under load, the voltage being lost will show up there as a positive number.

From just the battery post itself to the battery cable terminal, or, all the way from the post to the headlight terminal, and everything in between, each connection that drops voltage adds up. This resistance is cumulative of course, and is ultimately what roasts switches and causes breakers to trip. Let us know what you find.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
karjunkie
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
7
Feb 18, 2014 12:25 PM
HOODRAT
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
May 30, 2012 06:14 PM
94cummins12v
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
9
Mar 16, 2010 01:45 AM
eman resu
Electrical Systems/Wiring
6
Feb 20, 2007 08:56 PM
mycool88
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Mar 29, 2002 07:13 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:01 PM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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
story-9
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE