Head Light PROBLEM
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Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 28
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Head Light PROBLEM
I have a 78 Ford F-250, and when driving at night the headlights start to flicker very bad, and they will go off for about 5 seconds and come back on for 5 seconds and it just gets worse. It is impossible to drive at night. My friend also has the same problem on his 78 F-150. Any solutions???
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 79
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headlite problem
headlamp switch does have a circuit breaker in it and its possible that it is weak so its worth a try as an inexpensive fix to replace it. this is a problem with older fords and some had symptom when they were brand new. i have 2 1974 ford truck and both had same symptom as yours. i replace dimmer and headlite switches several times before finding the real fix. install relays for both brite and dim headlites. madelectronics (dont know exact name because its under workbench in basement) has complete relay kits just for this. it fixed my problem. take awhile to install but there are complete instructions. can now also install briter silverstar lamps. hope this helps
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 79
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finally moved some stuff so i could raise my workbench and get down into basement. relay kits--www.madelectrical.com. whats up with relays is your using headlamp switch only to power up relays. can then run larger wires from battery to headlites. gets rid of weaker factory wiring problems. kits includes all wiring,connectors,instructions and other great things to learn about relays and wiring
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,192
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From: lino lakes, mn
there is a thread in the electrical section that shows the way to fix the problem with relays schematic and all. I did the relay mod it took a couple hours and works great you still should change the light switch and check the dimmer switch if you buy everthing new ie both switches two relays two 30 amp fuse holders wire and connectors you'll spend less than 50 bucks. as for Matt check your voltage regulator if it sticks it will cause an over current that will pop a headlight losse mounts will cause them to go to
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
From: Rockport, WA
Funny, I remember something like this with Dad's old '64 Galaxy. Those little thermal breakers get tired -- or you install modern bulbs that pull a bit more juice.
The BEST course on any old car, is to install relays to carry your headlights. With a relatively inexpensive pair of fused Hella (or other quality brand) relays and nice heavy wiring straight from the battery, you are supplying full voltage to your lights, even if you put in European Code halogen lights like Cibie or Hella and use rallye H4 bulbs with a higher current draw.
And the best part, from the old vehicle collector's standpoint, is that all your original wiring is only carrying a fraction of an amp to control the relays. Your original switch and dimmer should last a lifetime. If the relays eventually get tired after a decade or two, they are inexpensive and easy to replace.
If you're serious about actually seeing where you're going at night, look up a few outfits like Daniel Stern Lighting, then go the relay route and get top quality headlights. Nothing like actually seeing the road way up ahead, to enhance night safety.
Lane
The BEST course on any old car, is to install relays to carry your headlights. With a relatively inexpensive pair of fused Hella (or other quality brand) relays and nice heavy wiring straight from the battery, you are supplying full voltage to your lights, even if you put in European Code halogen lights like Cibie or Hella and use rallye H4 bulbs with a higher current draw.
And the best part, from the old vehicle collector's standpoint, is that all your original wiring is only carrying a fraction of an amp to control the relays. Your original switch and dimmer should last a lifetime. If the relays eventually get tired after a decade or two, they are inexpensive and easy to replace.
If you're serious about actually seeing where you're going at night, look up a few outfits like Daniel Stern Lighting, then go the relay route and get top quality headlights. Nothing like actually seeing the road way up ahead, to enhance night safety.
Lane
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg, MS
You might also have a grounding problem. Check the ground to the headlights. With a truck as old as yours some of the grounding wires could have wiggled loose or even broken. When checking each wire be sure and give it a good tug, as the only thing holding he wire together could be the insulation and it could happen anywhere between the grounding point and the headlamp.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 2
From: Rockport, WA
Looks like good advice above.
Although I think the business of flickering, then going out, then returning after a bit, sounds most like a thermal breaker cycling, it sure doesn't hurt to check all your connections. And I believe in good grounds. When I'm putting in heavy wiring and relays, I make sure the ground is equivalent. My car trailer has a heavy running ground going all the way around it, even though the steel frame is handy everywhere.
Although I think the business of flickering, then going out, then returning after a bit, sounds most like a thermal breaker cycling, it sure doesn't hurt to check all your connections. And I believe in good grounds. When I'm putting in heavy wiring and relays, I make sure the ground is equivalent. My car trailer has a heavy running ground going all the way around it, even though the steel frame is handy everywhere.