HOT Headlight switch

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Nov 8, 2008 | 09:11 PM

WesternFord

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HOT Headlight switch

I have a 91 F250 351

I put the plow on tonight and turned on the headlights and as i pulled the switch my fingers touched the metal rod behind the plastic **** on the switch and i about burned my fingers. I also noticed that the voltage gauge dropped considerably when i did this. I turned the lights off so I didnt burn the truck down, but am wondering why the metal rod on the headlight switch is getting so hot so fast. Im guessing that there may be too much amperage running through it, and i have heard about a headlight relay mod but could not find much info after searching. Does this sound like an amperage problem? Will it start a fire, and also could anyone help with a link to the relay mod??

Thanks guys!

Nov 9, 2008 | 05:08 AM

TexasGuy001

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The switch is probably shot. They don't cost much, so I would just try replacing it. If you replace it, also check the connector and make sure its not burnt. You can get a replacement connector for a few bucks.

Nov 9, 2008 | 09:18 AM

WesternFord

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Thanks TexasGuy,

Ill go ahead and get a new switch.

Is there anything else i can do to make sure the new one wont get hot?

Is the headlight relay mod a good idea??? Any links to it?

THanks

Nov 9, 2008 | 09:28 AM

RiverRat1964

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From: Jackson, Mn

If your plow has headlights with it, make sure they don't all come on at once, that is a conciderable overload, there is a relay with a switch that you can go from your head lights to the plow lights, and if they all come on at once, that as well can cause the pull-out switch to get hot...........

Nov 9, 2008 | 09:35 AM

TexasGuy001

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I agree with what was just said about the plow lights. Although I wouldn't think they would be all wired up together. They should be wired up separately. If they do all come on together that will burn up the switch.

Nov 9, 2008 | 10:43 AM

WesternFord

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When i hook up the plow, only the headlights on the plow turn on. The running lights on the truck and plow turn on, but only the headlights on the plow are powered when the plow is connected

Nov 9, 2008 | 10:52 AM

danr1

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From: Sand Lake, MI

I think if you remove the switch and look at the connector itself you will find it is burnt/melting, from what I've seen and read its a common problem with these trucks.

You can get a replacement pig tail to replace the connector with along with the switch, you will have to cut and splice it in.

Use plenty of dialectic grease on the connection when you plug the new switch in.