Headlights strobe on and off when using high beams
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 276
It's minimal if the grounds, cables, connections, terminals, etc, etc, are in good condition. When voltage drop is within spec - surprise! The switch no longer heats up, and the breaker won't trip. Every old car and truck WILL have electrical problems unless steps are taken to improve grounds and connections. I know this, because I've driven my 55 year old slick for almost 20 years. I had all the problems everybody describes when I got it, and after cleaning everything up and replacing cables, they worked fine. With Halogens. Using a Generator charging system.
Nobody claims headlight relays aren't an improvement, just pointing out what's really going on. Fix the underlying problem first/before/in addition to adding headlight relays. Blinking headlights just tells us the entire electrical system is buggered, guaranteed.
Nobody claims headlight relays aren't an improvement, just pointing out what's really going on. Fix the underlying problem first/before/in addition to adding headlight relays. Blinking headlights just tells us the entire electrical system is buggered, guaranteed.
Adding relays and fresh wiring is the solution to an aging and poorly designed headlight circuit.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
No. Routine maintenance Gus. Every electrical connection or connector is a potential failure point, including the main engine grounds at block, frame, and firewall, bullet connectors, block connectors, headlight sockets, etc. They WILL degrade until they fail altogether. Please, take the time to read what I wrote, not what you think I wrote, it's fatigueing to restate the obvious over and over. Thanks.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 276
No. Routine maintenance Gus. Every electrical connection or connector is a potential failure point, including the main engine grounds at block, frame, and firewall, bullet connectors, block connectors, headlight sockets, etc. They WILL degrade until they fail altogether. Please, take the time to read what I wrote, not what you think I wrote, it's fatigueing to restate the obvious over and over. Thanks.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 9
From: Sun River St. George
Good grounds are essential. I always add a few between the core support and frame, between the engine block and frame, between the cab and frame and between the bed and frame. I use small, short ground straps. It is important to check the bulkhead connectors at the fire wall as well. These connections rot and corrode after a while and can cause problems. Whenever I rewire a truck I bypass these (extra connections) and I like weather pac connectors over most 60 year old Ford stuff. I also use relays whenever I can to relieve the stress higher amp alternators produce and the electrical (heat) resistance found in aging circuits place on old Ford switches. The switch simply energizes the relay and the relay does all the work from that point on. I like doing stuff once and then taking it off my list of stuff I worry about. MOFWIW.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Monteg0
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Jan 26, 2014 04:35 PM
BearFootCustom
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
15
Sep 13, 2011 04:48 PM
