Headlight Problems

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Sep 19, 2010 | 04:49 PM

CAL 250

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Headlight Problems

Here is a nothre puzzle on me 66 F250. When I turn the headlights on, they stay lit for about 5 seconds, then start blinking, and then go out. If I shut them off, the same pattern occurs again.

I put a new switch in a couple of years ago and didn't have a problem until now.

Anyone have any ideas?

Sep 19, 2010 | 04:57 PM

Scifi266

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check all your grounds, it could be that. also, have you checked the wires leading to the headlights?

Sep 19, 2010 | 05:13 PM

CAL 250

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Checked the wires to the lights. There is no difference if I move any of the wires, the lights flash even when it is sitting still. I will check the grounds and see what happens.

Thanks

Sep 19, 2010 | 06:00 PM

CAL 250

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Updates: Check the all the grounds I could find (some loose) but no improvement. When I turn on the dome light, and parking lights there is no problem. It is only when I turn the headlights on that they start flashing.

Has anybody gone through a similar issue? I know electrical issues can be tricky.

Sep 20, 2010 | 12:22 AM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Simi Valley, CA

The dimmer switch is foot activated, located on the toe board below the hand brake lever.

What usually happens to it is: When you click the button for high beams, the headlights will either flicker on/off, or go off.

Try cleaning the contacts, or replace the switch. Ford used the same dimmer switch on darn near everything for over 30 years.

Sep 20, 2010 | 11:02 AM

CAL 250

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Thanks

I figured the same thing and went down to the parts place and got a new dimmer switch. But after the intallation, the lights would do the same thing on the high beams. After running out of ideas, I tried playing with the light switch a little more. I found out that I could slide it into a position just before it maxed out and the high beams stay on without flickering!? I am thinking the switch may be the problem even though I replaced it 2 years ago. Some of these aftermarket parts just don't last very long!

Sep 21, 2010 | 01:02 PM

airharley

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Joined: Nov 2001

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From: Escondido, CA

There is a metal clip/spring tang inside the light switch that can affect what you are describing. Don't confuse it with the one you can see outside the housing that is a rheostat for the interior light brightness. If you replace the light switch it will go away. Or you can drill out the 4 solid rivets (only remove the bucking) and pull the switch apart and clean the contacts. I simply replaced the rivets for screws on mine so I can clean it out when I need to. You can still get the switch from most part places. Some better then others in quality though.