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Dimmer switch wiring question

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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 03:52 PM
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Dimmer switch wiring question

I've been finishing up some wiring and going off an old thread ( https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1531018-hi-low-beam-relay-button-switch.html ) to wire up a switch as dimmer switch.i can't get it to work right.any ideas on what iam doing wrong? Here's what I got;





Went off this diagram from a previous thread.



 
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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 04:16 PM
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That's not a latching relay, so it's only going to "blip" the high beams. But if you wanted to hold the button down................
It's not how I did mine. I used a separate relay for high and low beams.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 04:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Mixer man
That's not a latching relay, so it's only going to "blip" the high beams. But if you wanted to hold the button down................
It's not how I did mine. I used a separate relay for high and low beams.
I was still gunna do relays for hi/low beam under the hood but just thought I needed a relay for the switch to work...so I'll have to get a different relay for this setup.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 04:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Sickler1
I was still gunna do relays for hi/low beam under the hood but just thought I needed a relay for the switch to work...so I'll have to get a different relay for this setup.
You don't need to get a latching relay because there is no means to unlatch it unless you add another momentary switch. If you really want to use that setup omit the momentary switch and install a toggle switch, but then what are you gaining? Three switches just to operate the headlights? Meh.

It looks like it might work if you removed your dimmer switch out of the equation, since the single relay performs that function, but then we're back to the momentary switch thing again.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 05:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Mixer man
You don't need to get a latching relay because there is no means to unlatch it unless you add another momentary switch. If you really want to use that setup omit the momentary switch and install a toggle switch, but then what are you gaining? Three switches just to operate the headlights? Meh.

It looks like it might work if you removed your dimmer switch out of the equation, since the single relay performs that function, but then we're back to the momentary switch thing again.

iam not much of a wiring guy,but do you have a suggestions on wiring for hi/lo beams? Maybe a diagram.i have an aftermarket 12v wiring harness.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 06:04 PM
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So found this old thread, https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...ghter-brights/

What you think bout that wiring? I found the dimmer switch that came with kit that I will just hook up.


Does the dimmer power go on top? Then LO to bottom left and HIGH bottom right?
 
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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 08:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Sickler1
So found this old thread, https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...ghter-brights/

What you think bout that wiring? I found the dimmer switch that came with kit that I will just hook up.
That wiring circuit is for a much later vehicle, I think with a stalk headlight control, but yes, it will work.

Originally Posted by Sickler1
Does the dimmer power go on top? Then LO to bottom left and HIGH bottom right?
It would appear that way. Left and right tabs are purely subjective because there is no indicator on the foot switch. Wire it either way, your foot doesn't care.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 08:18 PM
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Ok,thanks for the input! Got HI/LO working off dimmer switch! Just can't get gauge lights to come on.will work on that one tomorrow.
 
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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 08:53 PM
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From: Bothell & Silverdale, WA
Originally Posted by Sickler1
Ok,thanks for the input! Got HI/LO working off dimmer switch! Just can't get gauge lights to come on.will work on that one tomorrow.
Does any part of your truck have the original wiring?
 
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Old Mar 8, 2020 | 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Mixer man
Does any part of your truck have the original wiring?
it does not.all new wiring.
 
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Old Mar 9, 2020 | 05:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Sickler1
So found this old thread, https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...ghter-brights/

What you think bout that wiring? I found the dimmer switch that came with kit that I will just hook up.


Does the dimmer power go on top? Then LO to bottom left and HIGH bottom right?
Don't know what year truck you're working on but the 53-56 uses a old type dimmer switch that fits in a "bowl" on the floor. I used a flat dimmer switch in my 56/55 but made the floor flat where the bowl was cuz of rust repair. Work great!
 
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Old Mar 9, 2020 | 06:18 AM
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From: Forked River NJ
Originally Posted by Greg Rogers
Don't know what year truck you're working on but the 53-56 uses a old type dimmer switch that fits in a "bowl" on the floor. I used a flat dimmer switch in my 56/55 but made the floor flat where the bowl was cuz of rust repair. Work great!
I have a 54 that does have that bowl.was thinking about putting A flat piece of metal over the power.was gunna ask if anyone has done it but you just answered that question 👍
 
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Old Mar 9, 2020 | 06:26 AM
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Here is a wiring diagram I drew up for my 55 adding a relay and fuse box.

 
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