flickering headlamps
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flickering headlamps
Hi,
I have a 1990 aerostar ext. eddie bauer. The headlights come on automatically as they should when it gets dark, but after 5 minutes or so they start to cycle on and off, (flickering). This even happens when I pull the headlight switch on and override the automatic control. I hear a sound like a relay clicking on and off but can't seam to locate the noise source with ease. Is there a breaker or a relay somewhere I can check. I could not find any info in the chiltons book. Thanks for any help.
Signed, Driving by Day for Now
I have a 1990 aerostar ext. eddie bauer. The headlights come on automatically as they should when it gets dark, but after 5 minutes or so they start to cycle on and off, (flickering). This even happens when I pull the headlight switch on and override the automatic control. I hear a sound like a relay clicking on and off but can't seam to locate the noise source with ease. Is there a breaker or a relay somewhere I can check. I could not find any info in the chiltons book. Thanks for any help.
Signed, Driving by Day for Now
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SoCal
That sounds like the headlight switch is overheating and its thermal switch is cutting off and resetting after a few minutes, and repeating. This happened to mine after I installed higher wattage light bulbs. I had to install relays to switch the lights.
Did the problem start recently? If so, it could be caused by a newly added load to the headlight circuit, such as fog lights, or even a short in the wiring.
Did the problem start recently? If so, it could be caused by a newly added load to the headlight circuit, such as fog lights, or even a short in the wiring.
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Originally Posted by xlt4wd90
That sounds like the headlight switch is overheating and its thermal switch is cutting off and resetting after a few minutes, and repeating. This happened to mine after I installed higher wattage light bulbs. I had to install relays to switch the lights.
Did the problem start recently? If so, it could be caused by a newly added load to the headlight circuit, such as fog lights, or even a short in the wiring.
Did the problem start recently? If so, it could be caused by a newly added load to the headlight circuit, such as fog lights, or even a short in the wiring.
Can I test the switch before buying a new one? They are non-returnable if thats not the problem. Is there a relay somewhere?
Thanks again for any help.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: SoCal
There are no relays in the stock headlight switching circuit.
Something you can try is to see if the switch is indeed being overloaded or weak. Try disconnecting one of the head light bulbs and see if the blinking stops or slows down. I'm thinking that if it's a short, the fuse would have blown, or you would have seen smoke coming out somewhere by now. So if removing one of the bulbs causes the blinking to stop, or slow down, I think the thermal protection in the switch is weakening, and tripping too soon. This could be caused by the contacts going bad, and creating a lot of resistance, which in turn can trip the protector.
Another place where there can be a problem is the multifunction switch that switches the high/low beams (and the turn signals). It's been known to go bad, and cause the blinking that you refer to.
Something you can try is to see if the switch is indeed being overloaded or weak. Try disconnecting one of the head light bulbs and see if the blinking stops or slows down. I'm thinking that if it's a short, the fuse would have blown, or you would have seen smoke coming out somewhere by now. So if removing one of the bulbs causes the blinking to stop, or slow down, I think the thermal protection in the switch is weakening, and tripping too soon. This could be caused by the contacts going bad, and creating a lot of resistance, which in turn can trip the protector.
Another place where there can be a problem is the multifunction switch that switches the high/low beams (and the turn signals). It's been known to go bad, and cause the blinking that you refer to.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Tottenham Ontario Canada
There's a very good chance it's the headlight switch. It's fairly common on these vans. The headlight switch overheats and cooks itself and the wiring harness connector attached to it. Don't replace the switch without replacing the harness connecter or the new switch will also overheat. Both the switch and the harness connector are readily available from your dealer, and the cost is reasonable in my opinion. I think it cost me about $80 Canadian for both about 3 years ago.
When I pulled the old switch out, the plastic was brownish and distorted from overheating.
Good luck with your repairs.
Cheers,
Eric
When I pulled the old switch out, the plastic was brownish and distorted from overheating.
Good luck with your repairs.
Cheers,
Eric
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From: Mitchell, SD
Originally Posted by Fremen
Where is the switch located?
Here is a good pic of the connector that is burnt!