Headlight Switch and Instrument Cluster
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 0
From: Baldwin, ND
Headlight Switch and Instrument Cluster
Ok I am looking to replace my instrument cluster in an attempt to get a better operating speedometer. While digging through the dash I removed te headlight switch from the connector. First off it was hot enough to burn my thumb It was a white ceramic looking piece)(not cool!!!). Upon further inspection the connection looked cracked and burned on one of the connectors (I will post a pic).
My questions are should this be hot? Also, can I get a replacement connection since mine is charred? Third, do you have to take the whole dash out to remove the instrument cluster? It seemed a like a big deal to remove it.
Thanks
Thad
My questions are should this be hot? Also, can I get a replacement connection since mine is charred? Third, do you have to take the whole dash out to remove the instrument cluster? It seemed a like a big deal to remove it.
Thanks
Thad
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 0
From: Baldwin, ND
cant swap speedos, they are electronic and contain the vehicles milage.
check the VSS on the rear for dirt/contamination or a bad connection through the wiring.
Thad
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
There is a tech article that will fix the headlight switch problem by using two relays for the headlight power.
Here is the link.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ay_System.html
The result will be brighter longer lasting headlight bulbs and a headlight switch that does not overheat.
I did this upgrade on my 86, also installed jeweled headlights that used Silverstar Ultra bulbs.
Best upgrade I have seen for night time driving on older vehicles.
Headlight were APC units.
Advance Auto also had three wire heavy duty headlight sockets that I used.
Wire from the battery to the relays was 8 AWG.
Wire from the relay to each headlight was 10 AWG.
Wire from the headlight to ground was also 10 AWG.
Here is the link.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ay_System.html
The result will be brighter longer lasting headlight bulbs and a headlight switch that does not overheat.
I did this upgrade on my 86, also installed jeweled headlights that used Silverstar Ultra bulbs.
Best upgrade I have seen for night time driving on older vehicles.
Headlight were APC units.
Advance Auto also had three wire heavy duty headlight sockets that I used.
Wire from the battery to the relays was 8 AWG.
Wire from the relay to each headlight was 10 AWG.
Wire from the headlight to ground was also 10 AWG.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 0
From: Baldwin, ND
Originally Posted by ford trans tech
you can swap the cluster , only the facia trim needs to be removed not the dash,
you can buy a new replacement headlight switch connector with pigtails from the dealer
you can buy a new replacement headlight switch connector with pigtails from the dealer
Thad
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
To many amps for to many years through wire that is to small.
That is what the relays eliminate.
That is what the relays eliminate.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,132
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From: Baldwin, ND
Originally Posted by Jake S
The white ceramic disc it the rheostat for the interior dome lights. It can run a little hot. That is why it is ceramic.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
All vehicles have wire sizes that are on the small size for the load they carry to things like headlights and heater motors.
Has been that way since back in the 50's and still is today.
That way when you start having trouble 10 years down the road, you will start looking at new vehicles.
Has been that way since back in the 50's and still is today.
That way when you start having trouble 10 years down the road, you will start looking at new vehicles.
Thread Starter
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 0
From: Baldwin, ND
I forgot to mention that when I turn on the the headlights or adjust the dimmer **** the radio turns off and then comes back on.....weird. When the headlight switch was disconnected the radio was totally inop....
Thad
Thad