lights flickering
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New User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Bainbridge ny
lights flickering
hey all I just bought a 1979 f150 and brought it home tonight and the lights started flickering off and on. not all the lights just the head lamps. you can turn them off for a bit and they will work for a bit but then flickering. please some one help me
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Kennett, MO 63857
My 78 Bronco did the same thing several years ago. The problem turned out to be the dimmer switch.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,838
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From: SD
I've had two problems with headlights in the past, on my '73.
First problem, after 10 minutes or so, the lights would blink off - all of them, including the dash lights. New headlight switch made no difference. Turned out the rear wiring harness was rubbing on the frame and shorting. Repaired that and hasn't bothered since.
The other problem, after a few minutes, just the headlights would go off, but dash lights and tail lights were unaffected. Clicking the dimmer switch a couple times would bring them back on. So replaced the dimmer switch (and the electrical plug going to it) and all is well.
Marty
First problem, after 10 minutes or so, the lights would blink off - all of them, including the dash lights. New headlight switch made no difference. Turned out the rear wiring harness was rubbing on the frame and shorting. Repaired that and hasn't bothered since.
The other problem, after a few minutes, just the headlights would go off, but dash lights and tail lights were unaffected. Clicking the dimmer switch a couple times would bring them back on. So replaced the dimmer switch (and the electrical plug going to it) and all is well.
Marty
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New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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I'll stick my neck out and say it IS the Headlight switch because this is the MOST Common reason for flickering lights.
Fixes:
1) Replace the switch
2) Clean up every connection that could affect the lighting (V/R grounding,Postive cable to Starter relay,etc
3) Look in the Tech articles for the Headlight system change called "Whiter White's & Brighter Brights"
Fixes:
1) Replace the switch
2) Clean up every connection that could affect the lighting (V/R grounding,Postive cable to Starter relay,etc
3) Look in the Tech articles for the Headlight system change called "Whiter White's & Brighter Brights"
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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looked at my dimmer and thought all was ok there, even put in relays and new wiring including new connectors for the headlamps, but still had the problem, sometimes
noticed that it was worse when wet, and checked the dimmer by removing it from the floor................there was a hole in the bottom and it was all corroded inside,
replaced it then the problem went away for good
noticed that it was worse when wet, and checked the dimmer by removing it from the floor................there was a hole in the bottom and it was all corroded inside,
replaced it then the problem went away for good
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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The resistance from the dimmer switch & the metal it's mounted to (causing a shorting out) puts an Extra strain on the Circuit Breaker in the headlight switch.
I keep all my grounds clean & free from corrosion, I haven't ever had flickering lights.
I keep all my grounds clean & free from corrosion, I haven't ever had flickering lights.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 127
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From: Layton UT
I just had this problem today. I have never before had a problem with the light s on my '75 F250. But today with the camper on it and towing a trailer, the tail lights would start blinking on and off after a few minutes at intervals of a few seconds, even when the truck isn't running. I also had the headlights go out for a few seconds while the high beams were on. So should I be replacing the dimmer switch to fix the headlight problem and the light switch to fix the taillight problem? Also, the tail lights don't flash unless I add the extra load from the camper and trailer. Is there a heavy duty switch or circuit breaker I can use to prevent this in the future?
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Joined: Jan 2008
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This is what I suggest for user's to do with the headlights
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_Brights.html
So with the trailer plug dis-connected,the brake/TS lights don't flash.
How about when you use the four-ways ?
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_Brights.html
So with the trailer plug dis-connected,the brake/TS lights don't flash.
How about when you use the four-ways ?
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 127
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From: Layton UT
With the camper and trailer disconected, the lights seem to work fine. If i disconect them one at a time, the lights stay on longer between flashes. I guess its just too much load for the headlight switch. I think I'll have to put in a relay that controls the trailer and camper lights.
All of the turn signals and brake lights work fine.
All of the turn signals and brake lights work fine.