ml1955

OK, headlights were working fine a week ago, now when I turn them on, they stay on for about 5 seconds, flicker then die. A minute later I can pull the switch on and they'll do the same thing. I notice the right urn blinker arrow is lit all the time, but dim. The taillights work, the blinkers, parking lights and blinkers work just the headlights go out. New headlight switch, whole car rewired with M&H harnesses, new bulbs all the way around. What to look for first? I hate electrical.

Thanks in advance,

Mike

Bill Irwin

You look for a loose or bad ground. Bill.

kellsdad

Here's an alternative theory. There is a circuit breaker built into your headlight switch that will cut off the power (flicker, then die) if there is a short drawing too much power through the switch. The breaker will reset on its own after it cools down a while.

I don't know if this applies to your year car, but it does to mine (1963).

1954corvair

You can make a temporary ground and see if that helps with your lights and if it does then start checking all of your grounds. Bill is right it is most likely a ground problem.

Frankie the Fink

True, but generally this type of failure results in a 'strobing' effect. The lights pulsing off then on at intervals. The intention is so you could 'make it home' in the dark even if there were electrical problems with the headlights. However, the fault here could be so bad that the circuit breaker is just staying tripped for extended periods.

Certainly worth checking out !!

ml1955

If it is the switch (new) is there a fix or just buy a new one? Thanks.

Frankie the Fink

Its best to buy a new one....

ml1955

I have a few more questions:

What does the fuse on the back of the headlight switch protect? When I removed mine, the lights ( all of them) still worked.

I removed the switch from the dash and when I turned the lights on they started "strobing". I could see a faint blue spark on the left side contact point on the switch. What is causing the spark? What do those "points" do?

Thanks,

Mike L

Frankie the Fink

The switch contains a circuit breaker which is really a thermal cutout.....when it gets too hot from excessive current running through it...it breaks the circuit temporarily...until it cools down and then reconnects allowing the lights to work briefly until the overcurrent condition again 'trips' it and the cycle repeats. Hence the strobing effect.

On my car, the defective switch would work fine for 1/2 hour or more before tripping othertime it would just take a few seconds for the strobing to start...so it can like an intermittent problem.

mike coletta

with Frank. I have installed some high output lights on cars, and had to add two relays (high/low beams), so that the switch wouldn't have to carry the load.

Mike Coletta

ml1955

So, the new headlights could be the culprit as well. I'll check specs on lights, I understand they should be 40/50 watts. Also look into new switch.

Mike

Frankie the Fink

Yes, as Mike said above....I recently added two relays to drive my headlights and take the load off the switch. Not only does it save aggravation with the circuit breaker tripping you get more voltage to the headlights and a resultant increase in brightness.

However, I wouldn't overlook the ground recommendation above by Bill Irwin above...that can always be a factor, particularly in high-current circuits.

ml1955

The headlights in the car are standard 60/50 watt bulbs. I can't find the 45/35 watts run in the car originally.I took out the switch from the dash. checked wiring and grounds. The lights started to flicker, I shook the switch and the lights went back on. I'll pick up a new switch from AC Delco tomorrow and see if that fixes the problem. Maybe just a bum new switch after all...

mike coletta

Mike,
Sent a PM with relay info.

Mike Coletta

mechron

fdreano, in the rewire of my 64, i've gone with relays and circuit breakers. the relays supply +12 bat. voltage and take all the voltage/AMP load off of the switches.

Frankie the Fink

Its a nice mod....and I've hidden my relays way back near the windshield washer tank on the '61 (on the splash shield actually) and tapped off the horn relay 12V 'buss' for the headlight power. Nearly invisible and works great...

mechron

fdreano, check out astrodokk's relays we installed, they ALMOST look like factory

to the OP, check your dimmer switch or the plug, your problem is probbably right there..

ml1955

Relays wired in, new switch and new dimmer installed. Lights are holding, no "strobing" and significantly brighter!

Frankie the Fink

Good for you!
I thought this would be a PITA mod....but after Plasticman sent me the schematic I had the whole circuit working in about an hour and 1/2. I even fabricated the connectors so I didn't cut the original harness...
Very worthwhile upgrade.

ml1955

I did the same and cut off the funky looking insulators on the connectors and used heat shrink on the connections. I hate those clunky looking yellow, blue and red crimps...Looks pretty good and best thing, I have lights!