Lights flickering
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 850
Likes: 14
From: Fayetteville, NC
Lights flickering
I recently noticed that when I have my lights on at night they flicker. I noticed that ALL the lights, even the dash lights do this. Is this something to be concerned about?? I just don't want something like the alternator going out on me at night.
1978 F-150 flareside. Primitive by todays standards but she was a jaw dropper back then. :-staun
1978 F-150 flareside. Primitive by todays standards but she was a jaw dropper back then. :-staun
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,312
Likes: 1
From: Eldorado Ca. USA
Lights flickering
I have had this happen to me in all of my older fords. I can't remember what it is, but I have had the charging system tested and have been told everything is OK. Just another case of when the mechanics around, the problem goes away. Take your truck to the parts house and have the charging system tested.
Tony
'77 F250, 4X4 460 transplantee, "Flamer"
'74 F250. 460, "beater" now "1 dead ford"
'73 F250, "midnight auto" now a trailer for the flamer
Tony
'77 F250, 4X4 460 transplantee, "Flamer"
'74 F250. 460, "beater" now "1 dead ford"
'73 F250, "midnight auto" now a trailer for the flamer
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: South St. Paul, MN
Lights flickering
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 22-Dec-02 AT 03:46 AM (EST)]I had the same problem. It would only happen when I would floor it. So it really had me confused I checked the wiring all over found nothing. Then I pulled off my box because it was rusted out and havent had the problem since. Never found any bad wires either.
1979 F150 Custom 2wd C4 302 painted ford blue, bored .040 over, flat top pistons with valve reliefs, Edelbrock Performer cam, carb, and intake, stock heads, MSD Ready-To-Run distributor, MSD Blaster 2 coil, Edelbrock valve covers and air cleaner with K&N filter, Dynomax headers, dual exhaust with Flowmaster 40 Series mufflers, 38 gallon fuel tank(how i can drive it further than around the block) 9" rear end with 2.75 gears and open diff.
"You're only as fast as me until the light turns green"
1979 F150 Custom 2wd C4 302 painted ford blue, bored .040 over, flat top pistons with valve reliefs, Edelbrock Performer cam, carb, and intake, stock heads, MSD Ready-To-Run distributor, MSD Blaster 2 coil, Edelbrock valve covers and air cleaner with K&N filter, Dynomax headers, dual exhaust with Flowmaster 40 Series mufflers, 38 gallon fuel tank(how i can drive it further than around the block) 9" rear end with 2.75 gears and open diff.
"You're only as fast as me until the light turns green"
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 46
From: Palm Bay, Florida
Lights flickering
I've had this problem with several older Fords, and after checking, and cleaning the electricial contacts, still had the problem, folks said replace the voltage regulator, I did, and no more flickering!!
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: CA
Lights flickering
Yea, it fixed the problem with my '73 as well. Some older regulators are still electro/mechanical and they tend to wear out. You can try adjusting them (it can be done) but considering the price of a new one is still pretty low, just swap it out!
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Lights flickering
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
Likes: 17
From: Dryden, ON, Canada
Lights flickering
It's either the voltage regulator, or the circut breaker in the light switch, the circut breakers are integral to the switch, and, the reason I have relays in my system...
Check out the Whiter Whites, Brighter Brights article in the tech section by Steve Delanty: https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/delanty/brighter_lights.html
Evan
86 F250 HD XLT Lariat Explorer 4x4 ex. Extended Cab: 8800LB GVWR 460/Edelbrock 1411
T19/BW 1345/3.55 geared Full Floater 10.25/Dana 50 TTB
265/75R16's on Whitespokes
78 F150, 351M/C6, eventually to have something done with it...
Check out the Whiter Whites, Brighter Brights article in the tech section by Steve Delanty: https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/delanty/brighter_lights.html
Evan
86 F250 HD XLT Lariat Explorer 4x4 ex. Extended Cab: 8800LB GVWR 460/Edelbrock 1411
T19/BW 1345/3.55 geared Full Floater 10.25/Dana 50 TTB
265/75R16's on Whitespokes
78 F150, 351M/C6, eventually to have something done with it...
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 373
Likes: 1
From: Wallaceburg On.
Lights flickering
had the same problem in my 79. Replced the light switch with on from the wreckers, no problem since. Dont forget to reach up and depress the little button on top of the switch and pull the **** and shaft out of the switch first.
New User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Lights flickering
The problem is definately in the continuity of your light feed. I don't much buy into the regulator theory simply becuase your battery still maintains a charge even if your regulator pulses the charge to the battery. A good battery can power your headlights for hours without being charged. My guess is the fault is somewhere between your battery's ground connection and the light switch since both your headlights and the instrument lights exhibit the same symptoms. I would disconnect the light switch and jump the connectors for your headlights and see if the problem remains. If it does, I would search for a bad ground connection. If it doesn't, replace the switch.
Jack
Jack
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
From: CA
Lights flickering
I'd agree if the lights are truely flickering...going from normal brightness to much dimmer. But if there are pulsing...getting brighter then normal and then dimming, etc. then it could be the regulator, which if not properly controling the rate of charge, can be allowing too much voltage to the battery. Had this happen a few times over the years with both Ford and non-Ford, and every time a new regulator most definately fixed it.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Must be a common problem. My headlights would irregularly flicker along with my front turn signals and tail lights. I tried unhooking one bulb at a time until I pulled out the taillight on the drivers side. When I pulled it out the lights quit flickering and after replacing it, they seem to be working fine. It could have been in the socket also, but regardless its still working