Headlights Keep blinking on and off!

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 15, 2003 | 11:57 PM

g-a-w-d

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

From: Canada

Headlights Keep blinking on and off!

Hey, on my Truck, when im driving with the headlights on at night, the lights will be on for a minute, then off for a minute then on for a minute and so on. What would cause this? My dad seems to think its the dimmer switch.
Any Thoughts?

Thanks

Aug 16, 2003 | 05:55 AM

Txquadhunter24

Elder User

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 851

Likes: 1

Headlights Keep blinking on and off!

the dimmer switch is more then likely your problem. i had a 80 f250 that did the samething. changed the dimmer switch and all was fine. even if it's not it's a good place to start on the hunt of your problem since it's a point all the head light wires run thru from the fuse block

Aug 16, 2003 | 10:59 AM

g-a-w-d

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

From: Canada

Headlights Keep blinking on and off!

Alright, I'll pick up a dimmer switch today and let you know what happens.

Thanks

Aug 16, 2003 | 04:53 PM

steve83

Post Fiend

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 9,987

Likes: 7

From: Memphis, TN

Headlights Keep blinking on and off!

It's not likely the hi-low switch. It's the circuit breaker inside the headlight switch cycling because the circuit is drawing too much current. Do you have extra lights added to the headlight circuit? Put an ammeter inline from the headlight switch connector to see how much is flowing. If it's normal (~10A for both low beams), replace the switch. If it's high, find the drain.

Aug 16, 2003 | 11:54 PM

GypsyR

More Turbo

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 566

Likes: 5

From: SC

Headlights Keep blinking on and off!

I second the headlight switch. Old Mustangs in particular are well know for this along with a lot of Fords. The cure is a new headlight switch.
I had a 74 F100 that did the exact same thing, so bad I had to jumper a wire directly from the battery to the headlights to get home one night.
I've noticed a lot of 80's wreckers also have the problem regularly because of all the added running lights if they are not run through relays.

Aug 17, 2003 | 07:04 AM

paintman

New User

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 8

Likes: 0

Headlights Keep blinking on and off!

based on my experieance , get your self a dimmer switch. i,d be willing to bet on it

Aug 17, 2003 | 04:10 PM

g-a-w-d

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

From: Canada

Headlights Keep blinking on and off!

Changed the Dimmer switch, Still have the problem. Just gonna check out the rest of the wiring a bit..

Trending Topics

This is prolly a 1 page thread at most

110.2k

6M
Bad trouble with axle shaft snap ring

28

393
Brake upgrade worth it

20

389
Truck slump

19

576
1989 F-150 R-12 to R-134a

18

331

Aug 17, 2003 | 06:12 PM

Franklin2

Moderator

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 56,984

Likes: 2,738

From: Virginia

Headlights Keep blinking on and off!

Quote:

Originally posted by Txquadhunter24
the dimmer switch is more then likely your problem. i had a 80 f250 that did the samething. changed the dimmer switch and all was fine. even if it's not it's a good place to start on the hunt of your problem since it's a point all the head light wires run thru from the fuse block

The headlamps are not fed by the fuse block. They are fed direct power from a fusible link. This is why there is a circuit breaker in the switch itself. The headlamp switch then feeds the dimmer switch, which then feeds the lights themselves. The dimmer switch was a good place to look, since on the older trucks it's down on the floor where it can get corroded. If you have any added lighting to the headlamp circuit, this can overload the circuit breaker in the switch, causing the same problem. I would also inspect the plug on the switch itself. A loose connection there can cause heat, and will cause the circuit breaker to blink the lights on and off. Also inspecting the wiring like you said is a good thing to do. If all else fails, I would try a new headlamp switch.

FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

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

Verdad Gallardo

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

Joe Kucinski

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

Brett Foote

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Joe Kucinski

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

Brett Foote

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Michael S. Palmer

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Verdad Gallardo

10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Joe Kucinski

2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Brett Foote

2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Michael S. Palmer

Aug 17, 2003 | 07:24 PM

g-a-w-d

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

From: Canada

Headlights Keep blinking on and off!

I got no extra lights hooked up. I notice the switch get fairly hot, so Maybe its the plug like you say. Ill check that out and post back.

Aug 24, 2003 | 06:10 AM

#10

Taynton1

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 198

Likes: 0

From: Ft. Pierce Fl usa

Headlights Keep blinking on and off!

Had the same problem with my 85. Changed the plugs on the back of the head lights, blinky went away.

MT

Aug 25, 2003 | 05:20 PM

#11

HiDesertRat

Mountain Pass

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 143

Likes: 2

Headlights Keep blinking on and off!

I will vote for the headlight switch. I have had this problem with a couple of differant Fords, car and truck. Replaced the head light switch and lights would work fine.