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

strange electrical problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 12, 2023 | 10:36 AM
  #1  
fredgullatt's Avatar
fredgullatt
Thread Starter
|
1st Gear
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
strange electrical problem

This makes no sense to me, I'm hoping for a little help. I recently rescued a 1994 F150 xlt been doing alot of work on it, replaced both gas tanks and fuel pumps, shocks, coil springs, radiator, water pump, battery etc. lots of cleaning and painting things mostly under the truck so far. My issue is we have got the truck running but if I turn on the head lights the engine stops immediately, its like a kill switch. I feel like it must be going to ground or shorting something but have no idea about the history of this truck, or why it was parked years ago, so this could have been there before. I just suspect it is something i did.

Thanks for any ideas
 
Reply
Old May 12, 2023 | 12:07 PM
  #2  
toolman60's Avatar
toolman60
More Turbo
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 551
Likes: 151
From: King and Queen Virginia
I would say check all your grounds first. There are a couple up on the radiator support. Then I would check the headlight switch.
 
Reply
Old May 12, 2023 | 03:15 PM
  #3  
sandymane's Avatar
sandymane
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 633
From: Houston/Sugar Land
This picture is the driver side headlight ground and there is another on the passenger side.


 
Reply
Old May 14, 2023 | 05:17 AM
  #4  
manicmechanic007's Avatar
manicmechanic007
Hotshot
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 10,536
Likes: 2,664
From: Near Salt Lake City
Club FTE Silver Member

If an aftermarket radio, check the wiring to it
Common for installers to mistakenly use the lt blue with red illumination wire for power
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JoeVR
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
19
Aug 27, 2016 10:18 AM
DyceDesign
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
May 31, 2009 01:10 PM
genisis
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
4
Jan 31, 2004 07:44 PM
blackened
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
25
Nov 29, 2003 02:36 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:22 PM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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