headlight switch kills engine!
#1
![Unhappy](images/icons/icon9.gif)
I have a 1995 fullsize bronco with the 5.8, recently I have replaced the battery and the alternator. My problem is that the engine starts and runs fine...until you turn on the light switch and the engine dies, turn the lights off and it starts right up. Also the engine will not start with the switch on, but starts fine with it off. My local parts shop has been very helpful, and doesn't think it is the switch?
I don't know, and live up in the mountains with a 30 mile drive to the parts house or any test equipment. Anyone else ever have this problem and if so...what did you do to fix it? I don't want to just keep trading out parts.
Thanks for your help...
I don't know, and live up in the mountains with a 30 mile drive to the parts house or any test equipment. Anyone else ever have this problem and if so...what did you do to fix it? I don't want to just keep trading out parts.
Thanks for your help...
#2
I'd say you have a short in a major wire and when you turn on the lights your completing the short and if it's bad enough it'll over power the ignition and or ecm circuits killing the engine. Any sparks or blown fuses? Does everything electrical in the vehicle die when you flip the switch, and if not what other circuits are affected?
#3
I was going to say that we just had a car in that had such a bad battery in it when you hit the brakes it would kill the car because of the brake lights, but with a new battery and alternator, thats a tricky one.
The headlight switch is not very complicated, or expensive (15 bucks i think), have you ever modified any wires under your dashboard or have you accidentally stuck your foot up there or anything. It sounds like a short to me, but with that kind of load it would fry any kind of wiring used for a standard healdight circut instantly. Any aftermarket lights/alamrs/remote starters installed or anything like that?
The headlight switch is not very complicated, or expensive (15 bucks i think), have you ever modified any wires under your dashboard or have you accidentally stuck your foot up there or anything. It sounds like a short to me, but with that kind of load it would fry any kind of wiring used for a standard healdight circut instantly. Any aftermarket lights/alamrs/remote starters installed or anything like that?
#4
#5
#6
![Smile](images/icons/icon7.gif)
Cannot say why or just what it fixed, but replacing the headlight switch fixed it. Engine starts, runs, with the headlights on or off, no matter what I do, it seems to be fixed. the only difference I notice is the engine changes rpm slightly when you turn the lights on now, and before it just died~!
Thanks Bronco lovers Bronco forum - 1 Parts Store - 0!
LC
Thanks Bronco lovers Bronco forum - 1 Parts Store - 0!
LC
#7
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#10
I have a 1995 fullsize bronco with the 5.8, recently I have replaced the battery and the alternator. My problem is that the engine starts and runs fine...until you turn on the light switch and the engine dies, turn the lights off and it starts right up. Also the engine will not start with the switch on, but starts fine with it off. My local parts shop has been very helpful, and doesn't think it is the switch?
I don't know, and live up in the mountains with a 30 mile drive to the parts house or any test equipment. Anyone else ever have this problem and if so...what did you do to fix it? I don't want to just keep trading out parts.
Thanks for your help...
I don't know, and live up in the mountains with a 30 mile drive to the parts house or any test equipment. Anyone else ever have this problem and if so...what did you do to fix it? I don't want to just keep trading out parts.
Thanks for your help...
#11
Did you read the posts above suggesting a new headlight switch and checking the ground connection? Have you tried both of those and still have the issue? Have you replaced the battery and confirmed the alternator is working properly? What else have you checked? Do you have access to a wiring diagram for the Bronco and at least have some basic tools for troubleshooting electrical circuits?
-Rod
-Rod
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