Blinking headlights
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Kent WA
Blinking headlights
After the headlights on my truck have been on for about a half hour they start cycling off-on-off-on-off about once every second or two. I've seen references to other people encountering this problem, and IIRC the solution was replacing the switch.
What I can't remember for sure was whether it is the dash-mounted (on/off) power switch or the floor-mounted (hi/low) dimmer switch.
What I can't remember for sure was whether it is the dash-mounted (on/off) power switch or the floor-mounted (hi/low) dimmer switch.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 5,330
Likes: 17
From: Dryden, ON, Canada
Dash mounted switch.
It has a built in circut breaker, that, undoubtedly has gotten weak over time.
I prefer to add relays to the system so this doesn't happen, but, in 2 years I still haven't done it on my diesel... LOL
It has a built in circut breaker, that, undoubtedly has gotten weak over time.
I prefer to add relays to the system so this doesn't happen, but, in 2 years I still haven't done it on my diesel... LOL
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 15
From: Nutter Fort, WV
Cheaper, do yourself a favor and do this mod to your headlights.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ay_System.html
Brighter headlights, lower amperage draw through the headlight switch which overheats and trips the breaker in the switch and also melts the connector on the switch.
Plus you can use 10 or 12 AWG wire and get rid of that tiny wire Ford used from the switch to the headlights.
You will notice a difference the first time you drive at night.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ay_System.html
Brighter headlights, lower amperage draw through the headlight switch which overheats and trips the breaker in the switch and also melts the connector on the switch.
Plus you can use 10 or 12 AWG wire and get rid of that tiny wire Ford used from the switch to the headlights.
You will notice a difference the first time you drive at night.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Kent WA
Is it possible to replace just the circuit breaker or do you have to replace the whole switch? If the breaker can be replaced separately, anybody got a part #?
Thanks for the upgrade info Dave, and I'll probably do that to my turbo truck. The one that is having the problem right now is my DD non-turbo truck. I don't plan on keeping it much longer and since it has lasted this long (21 years) I figure just doing the repair will be more than adequate.
Thanks for the upgrade info Dave, and I'll probably do that to my turbo truck. The one that is having the problem right now is my DD non-turbo truck. I don't plan on keeping it much longer and since it has lasted this long (21 years) I figure just doing the repair will be more than adequate.
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Posting Guru
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From: Kent WA
Originally Posted by Dave Sponaugle
You will have less money in the relay upgrade than you will in a new switch and probably the connector as well.
The other factor is time. I don't have any.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Nutter Fort, WV
the relays are about 3.50 each so that is 7 dollars.
A roll of wire is about 3 dollars more so ten dollars.
You may have to replace the wire connector on the switch.
When they overheat the connector becomes brittle.
It may fall apart when you try to remove it from the switch.
A roll of wire is about 3 dollars more so ten dollars.
You may have to replace the wire connector on the switch.
When they overheat the connector becomes brittle.
It may fall apart when you try to remove it from the switch.
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 549
Likes: 1
From: Mississippi
cheeperjeeper, had the same problem with my lights blinking. it is the switch, but more than likely it's the socket that the switch plugs into as well. had a seriously burned socket on the wiring harness. although it would be better to relay it and use heavier wiring from the relay to the lights, i'm running 55w low and 100w high and so far no problems with the new switch and socket. worst thing about the change is fighting the dash. LOL
speedrdr
speedrdr
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Thread Starter
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Kent WA
Well, mine has just stock headlights, and when I pulled the switch out, the connector looked fine. I figure if it took 20 years for the breaker in the original headlight switch to fail, then the new one ought to out-last the rest of the truck!
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,501
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From: Faibanks Ak.
AS far as buying a breaker ford used to claim there was no breaker in them I found trucks that pull atrailer a lot or I had tailights blinkers etc. on my headack rack mine would go bad every couple years.