71 ford headlight problem

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Feb 7, 2002 | 12:53 AM

Mil1ion

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71 ford headlight problem

Feb 10, 2002 | 02:34 PM

Rouge

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71 ford headlight problem

Hello all

My Dad has a 71 ford f-250 and Its in pretty good shape. However when the headlights are on they seem to Randomly just shut off then a few seconds later come back on. I dont thonk its the headlight switch itself, however I told him to check that dimmer switch in the floor. We dont live in the same state so I dont know yet if that fixed it, but I was wondering. In newer vehicles there is a circuit breaker that will interupt the power to the headlights if to much current is drawn, and after a few seconds it will automatically reset. I was just wondering if his truck is equiped with such an item. He doesnt know, nor does he have a manual on his truck. Thanks alot I look forward to your responses.

Roger

Feb 10, 2002 | 03:13 PM

Mil1ion

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71 ford headlight problem

The C.B. you're refering to, is integrated to the headlight switch.

1) Bad Ground
2) Bad dimmer
3) Bad switch

Dennis

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Feb 10, 2002 | 03:56 PM

Rouge

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71 ford headlight problem

Ok I checked back with dad and he has replaced the dimmer switch,and also replaced the headlight switch with one that wasnt brand new (used) no change in the problem. So I guess bad ground it is, however im going to recommend that he put a brand new headlight switch in since the circuit breaker is in the switch just to make certain it cant be the problem anymore. One can feel better about chaseing wires when he knows the problem has to be there. Its weird though he says that the lights just go off, there never dim they dont fluctuate there brightness. They just go off then come back on strong and bright. Anyway no more ramble.

Thanks
Roger

Feb 10, 2002 | 06:46 PM

73Custom

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From: SD

71 ford headlight problem

[font color=red size=2]I had the same symptoms with my pickup ('73), tried a new switch with no luck. I started tracing wires and found the tailight harness shorting to the frame. Near the rear bumper where the wires go through a hole in the crossmember, they had rubbed through. So I repaired the wires and covered them with a piece of cut hose to protect them. No problems since.

Just a thought...

Marty

Feb 10, 2002 | 07:05 PM

Rouge

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71 ford headlight problem

thanks marty
there's no telling what it is> I wish I lived near him I could probably figure something out at could at least figure out what it isnt. Oh well

Feb 10, 2002 | 10:01 PM

Nod

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From: Anderson Northern Ca

71 ford headlight problem

Rouge, I had the same problem Marty had only my short was at the wiring harness for the headlights where it goes over the battery box. I fixed mine the same way Marty did. My lights were doing the same thing your dad's were doing.
"bowties in the reaarview mirror"