Intermittent Headlights

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Dec 30, 2006 | 11:06 AM

ceo

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Intermittent Headlights

Howdy

Been everywhere trying to come up with a solution for intermittent headlights on a 1988 f-150. I've changed the dimmer switch - redone the ground and my headlights after being on for 10 mins or so start going on and off intermittently.

When I crawl under the dash I can hear some kind of a switch/circuit breaker kicking out when the lights go out but no sound when they come back on - they stay off for about 5 seconds and then come on again - seems to be worse on high beam

Someone told me it's the self-resetting circiut breaker in the lighting circuit although they couldn't tell me where that little bugger was located and my hearing isn't good enough to locate it myself

Anyone have any info on this issue - any info would be greatly appreciated

thanks

Dec 30, 2006 | 11:17 AM

jk89cat

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Joined: Dec 2006

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From: vernon hills IL

pull your headlamp switch out fo the dash and pull the connector off, i can almost but gaurntee that its burned in the center, you will need to replace switch and harness

Dec 30, 2006 | 11:54 AM

351slug

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Joined: Oct 2006

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From: Poquoson Va.

My 93 did the same thing. Headlight switch.

Jan 3, 2007 | 01:07 PM

ceo

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jk89cat

pull your headlamp switch out fo the dash and pull the connector off, i can almost but gaurntee that its burned in the center, you will need to replace switch and harness

Thanks - you were right - the plastic on the connector is melted around several of the contacts.............

When you say harness - are we talking about - everything from the firewall to the fusebox and all the other guages and things connected under and on the dash?

It looks like everything runs together and the only junction is where everything goes thru the dash - I think thats probably more then I could handle and more expense then the truck is worth - I checked and the switch costs $23 but the metal prongs on it aren't burnt at all - it's the gray plastic conector thats melted.

I'm wondering if just the switch might be bad and changing that would correct the problem

Anyone have any thoughts on whether replacing just the switch would be enough if the connector is melted - the lights work they just blink on and off after everything heats up

thanks

ceo

Jan 3, 2007 | 02:05 PM

akaGWall

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I can't give you a definitive answer, but if it was me I'd try just the switch first. If that doesn't fix the problem you can go from there. You might be able to splice a connector onto your present harnass if it comes to that.

Jan 3, 2007 | 03:24 PM

tjc transport

i ain't rite

Joined: Mar 2005

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

you can buy a new pigtail and wire it in to replage the burnt up one. and i would replace the switch also while it is out. it will be cheap insurance. i have done this exact same thing twice on my 88 already.