Odd Headlight/Dashlight question
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 548
Likes: 1
From: NC
Odd Headlight/Dashlight question
Just noticed tonight that my dash lights in the gauge cluster are only turned on when I turn the high beams on, low beams have no lights on in the cluster. I assume this isnt normal. Anyone have this issue before? Just thought I'd check before chasing down wires.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 548
Likes: 1
From: NC
Nothing happens when rotating the switch, both in high and low beam settings. No light on low, and seems full brightness when on high (assuming the twisting is for gauge light brightness)
Lead Gopher
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 10,066
Likes: 1,622
From: Seattle
You might suspect both the high beam switch and the headlight switch. Sounds like possibly more than one issue happening. The rheostat in the headlight switch might be bad - negating any dash light dimming - and the high beam switch might have an issue when on the low beam setting. Easy to test the low/high beam switch if you remove it and use an ohm meter to check and switch from low to high beam. If either setting has infinite resistance that would be an issue. You would have to change jumper wires from one output to the other for a valid check.
I've pulled a few bad headlight switches and sometimes the rheostat wire is all unraveled and hanging loose rather than being wrapped tight inside of the switch. In those cases it is easy to tell visually that the headlight switch is toast.
I've pulled a few bad headlight switches and sometimes the rheostat wire is all unraveled and hanging loose rather than being wrapped tight inside of the switch. In those cases it is easy to tell visually that the headlight switch is toast.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,069
Likes: 139
From: tucson
I just remembered a problem I have with my '64 headlight switch..The rheostat is a little stiff when turning and the **** will spin if too much torque is applied on it, So if I accidentally have the dash lights turned down, they are illuminated some when I have the brights are selected and the brights indicator is lit. I sometimes have to use pliers to turn the shaft back enough to get the dash lit again.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 548
Likes: 1
From: NC
I just remembered a problem I have with my '64 headlight switch..The rheostat is a little stiff when turning and the **** will spin if too much torque is applied on it, So if I accidentally have the dash lights turned down, they are illuminated some when I have the brights are selected and the brights indicator is lit. I sometimes have to use pliers to turn the shaft back enough to get the dash lit again.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic 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
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 548
Likes: 1
From: NC
Replaced the headlight switch today and still having the same issues as before. Any other suggestions on where to start looking to track this down?
Just something I'd thought I'd mention but I doubt it's related, but in case it is, my horns not working either. When I press the horn button, I do not get ground signal to the relay, everything in the horn ring has been replaced.
Just something I'd thought I'd mention but I doubt it's related, but in case it is, my horns not working either. When I press the horn button, I do not get ground signal to the relay, everything in the horn ring has been replaced.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 548
Likes: 1
From: NC
I don't see anything that looks out of the ordinary when looking at the fuse block - no add-a-circuits or anything and the harness going into the column looks factory. I know the turn signal switch can cause horn issues, is that in any way tied in with the headlights at all to cause an issue there as well?
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 548
Likes: 1
From: NC
I noticeded part of my fuseblock was broken where the headlight switch tab connects, so I tried locating one to see if they were cheap but didnt have any luck finding a supplier. By chance know of any sources for a fuse block or do they only get sold with complete harnesses?
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 548
Likes: 1
From: NC
I'll take a closer look this evening when I get home. My headlight switch doesnt have a connector that attaches to the back of it, it plugs directly into the fuse block. Using a wiring diagram, I'll hopefully be able to determine which wires are which coming out of the block.