Pulsating Headlights
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Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 353
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From: Bayonne NJ
Pulsating Headlights
1979 F100. Headlights pulsate with the engine rpms. When idiling they are less bright than when I am crusing down the road. I replaced the headlight switch but it didn't help. The dash lights pulsate as well. And when the headlights are on, the oil pressure guage and the temp guage read much higher than with them off.
I am pretty sure it is a wiring issue, but I have no idea where to start looking.
I am pretty sure it is a wiring issue, but I have no idea where to start looking.
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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Start with cleaning the wiring contacts & grounding surface/mounting area of the Voltage regulator.
If that doesn't sure the problem do a complete retro-fit of headlight relays which is covered in the tech articles called : Whiter whites & Brighter Brights
If that doesn't sure the problem do a complete retro-fit of headlight relays which is covered in the tech articles called : Whiter whites & Brighter Brights
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Joined: Jul 2005
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It the process of elimination when trying to find the "Headlights pulsate with the engine rpms" , I've encountered where it was the voltage regulator, and time where it was the alternator.
When the lights start flashing, put your hand on the the headlight switch and check if the switch is getting hot, this is a sign of a switch going bad.
When the lights start flashing, put your hand on the the headlight switch and check if the switch is getting hot, this is a sign of a switch going bad.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Las vegas, Nevada.
If it's the origional voltage regulator or a older style points type then your headlights may pulsate, If you buy a new voltage regulator it should be the electronic type, they wont pulsate any more. They are about $13 at autozone.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 353
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From: Bayonne NJ
Went and bought a voltage regulator. Got ready to put it on and noticed that the bolt that the ground is attached to was loose. Tightened it up and now the headlights are fine.
Still have problems with my guages reading off when I turn on the headlights though. i am going to try replacing the cluster tonight and see if it makes a difference.
Thanks alot guys.
Still have problems with my guages reading off when I turn on the headlights though. i am going to try replacing the cluster tonight and see if it makes a difference.
Thanks alot guys.
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New User
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Still have problems with my guages reading off
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please explain specifically what you mean by this statement ?
My Guess,
You don't think the gauges are reading the proper value of what they should ?
There are ALL SORTS of reasons why this could be.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please explain specifically what you mean by this statement ?
My Guess,
You don't think the gauges are reading the proper value of what they should ?
There are ALL SORTS of reasons why this could be.
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Those are Cluster Illumination bulbs ?
http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion...erBackView.JPG
Aftermarket style gauges have light in them to illuminate them
http://www.clubfte.com/users/mil1ion...erBackView.JPG
Aftermarket style gauges have light in them to illuminate them
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 353
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From: Bayonne NJ
Let me clarify
Normal daytime driving, my temp guage reads between the "o" and the "r" on Normal.
Turn on the lights and the guage works its way up to between the "l" and the line at the far end of the guage. The Oil pressure Guage moves similar to this. The Fuel level and Ammeter guages don't change at all.
If you turn off the lights, the guages return to the normal ranges.
Any Ideas?
Normal daytime driving, my temp guage reads between the "o" and the "r" on Normal.
Turn on the lights and the guage works its way up to between the "l" and the line at the far end of the guage. The Oil pressure Guage moves similar to this. The Fuel level and Ammeter guages don't change at all.
If you turn off the lights, the guages return to the normal ranges.
Any Ideas?
New User
Joined: Jan 2008
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Sounds to me like power loss to the ICVR (Instrument Cluster Voltage Regulator) on the cluster.They don't last forever.
Here's an illustration that shows is.
Here they call it the IVR and is located just to the right of the word SPEEDOMETER.
NOTE: Don't always go by Ford gauges as functioning properly.
They have been an ongoing concern for FORD owners.
Maybe clean the grounds and check the ICVR for corerct curent pulse & voltage output (5v)
Here's an illustration that shows is.
Here they call it the IVR and is located just to the right of the word SPEEDOMETER.
NOTE: Don't always go by Ford gauges as functioning properly.
They have been an ongoing concern for FORD owners.
Maybe clean the grounds and check the ICVR for corerct curent pulse & voltage output (5v)
Last edited by Mil1ion; Nov 2, 2005 at 11:58 AM.