headlight dim
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: oak harbor wa.
headlight dim
i was driving my truck the other night and i noticed my headlights go dim at stop lights. i checked my belt and it seems tight enough. is it possible that i have a generator (my truck is a 65) or maybe the rpm is to low,(4 speed) i think i should be at 800 rpm. any ideas thanks
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Escondido, CA
Check the firewall connections for corrosion. After a while the pins start to loose contact and allow moisture to grow the fuzzy stuff in there. If you find this does nothing pull the grounds for each side and clean them up a bit. If going though all the connectors the headlights still dim have the altinator checked. They do go bad and one sign is dimming lights at low rpm's.
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Junior User
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From: oak harbor wa.
i will give those once over. i did check my alternator and it is fine, belts are good as well. my battery cables are in need of replacement, so i will do that as well as checking the firewall connection and the connection at the rad , support.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Sun River St. George
Alternator needs to put out 13.5-14.5 volts at idle. Put a volt meter across the battery posts with the engine off and then again with the engine running. Old batteries will cause this as well. Sometimes you really work the system with lights, heater, stop lights and maybe wipers and radio all on at the same time. Check for adequate voltage. And if you want to solve the problem for good get a 100 amp internally regulated alternator. I use 12SI made by Delco!
Logistics Pro
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From: Mddl A MexCans
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...r_Brights.html just some reading.. the one you have may in fact be fine...
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Junior User
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From: oak harbor wa.
thanks remanbob, makes sense to me. i think LCM sells a kit, just have to fire the relay using the stock switch then run the rest off the battery.
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Logistics Pro
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From: Mddl A MexCans
if they do and you get it.. post the details will ya.. I'm not to this point with mine yet but plan on doing lots of stuff... you know how that goes..but the more details handy the better.. Regards Bob
Posting Legend
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One general way to tell older ford alternators from generators: Alternators are usually bigger in diameter than they are long. Generators are usually longer than they are in diameter.
Alternators generally run slow enuf at idle that output drops and lights dim.
Bad connections BOTH power and ground will dim your lights.
The relay setup will help your light brightness.
Alternators generally run slow enuf at idle that output drops and lights dim.
Bad connections BOTH power and ground will dim your lights.
The relay setup will help your light brightness.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,111
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From: Turlock CA
I installed the relays with a set of H4 headlights and I love it.
I was up in the hills recently on a moonless morning going fishing and used the high beams. The guy that went with me could not believe how bright they were. It was like daylight.
The low beams are enough light 90% of the time, I rarely use the high beams.
I was up in the hills recently on a moonless morning going fishing and used the high beams. The guy that went with me could not believe how bright they were. It was like daylight.
The low beams are enough light 90% of the time, I rarely use the high beams.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: oak harbor wa.
Originally Posted by jd_sylvia
I installed the relays with a set of H4 headlights and I love it.
I was up in the hills recently on a moonless morning going fishing and used the high beams. The guy that went with me could not believe how bright they were. It was like daylight.
The low beams are enough light 90% of the time, I rarely use the high beams.
I was up in the hills recently on a moonless morning going fishing and used the high beams. The guy that went with me could not believe how bright they were. It was like daylight.
The low beams are enough light 90% of the time, I rarely use the high beams.
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Junior User
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From: oak harbor wa.
Originally Posted by Redmanbob
if they do and you get it.. post the details will ya.. I'm not to this point with mine yet but plan on doing lots of stuff... you know how that goes..but the more details handy the better.. Regards Bob
Last edited by mr.c; Nov 6, 2006 at 11:19 PM.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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Good luck, sounds like a plan. The headlight sockets sold at Carquest fit Bosh relays also.
Don't drink any beer during the construction process, ---- happens then. Drink beer AFTER the FUBAR has happened or the project is done.
Don't drink any beer during the construction process, ---- happens then. Drink beer AFTER the FUBAR has happened or the project is done.