headlight electrical issues...
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
headlight electrical issues...
Hey guys, got a '78 with some issues... I know I know what else is new right? I pulled the motor out of it a while back, took out all a/c and heater stuff, really did the engine bay, ect. put the motor back in, and ever since then... the headlights will shut off and turn back on continuously after about 10min being on, only the headlights... keeps melting the headlight switch too. Help me?!?!
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,753
From: Charlotte NC
With your ability to do all what you have done...this is basic stuff.
I would bet that the connector for your headlight switch is bad...MEANING the terminals in the connector are bad...and NOT having a good grip.
Also...Obtain a wiring diagram and check all circuits to verify NONE of the power circuits are grounded...or the grounds are poorly connected and the circuit is "hunting" for a ground.
If you connect a new switch...and turn the light on...test by feeling the switch and see if it begins to get hot. Usually a component that gets hot gets hot by two ways. Major amp draw for the part...or resistance due to dirty or weak gripping terminals.
You also have to make sure that you are obtaining the correct headlight switch. It has a terminal on the side to allow the ground to connect...which is in the connector...that earlier years do not have this wire in the connector. The earlier years used a metal strap that connected to the speedometer housing to allow the headlight switch to get its needed ground.
DUB
I would bet that the connector for your headlight switch is bad...MEANING the terminals in the connector are bad...and NOT having a good grip.
Also...Obtain a wiring diagram and check all circuits to verify NONE of the power circuits are grounded...or the grounds are poorly connected and the circuit is "hunting" for a ground.
If you connect a new switch...and turn the light on...test by feeling the switch and see if it begins to get hot. Usually a component that gets hot gets hot by two ways. Major amp draw for the part...or resistance due to dirty or weak gripping terminals.
You also have to make sure that you are obtaining the correct headlight switch. It has a terminal on the side to allow the ground to connect...which is in the connector...that earlier years do not have this wire in the connector. The earlier years used a metal strap that connected to the speedometer housing to allow the headlight switch to get its needed ground.
DUB
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Re
thanks for your reply DUB! Ill check that stuff out. the switch is correct... has the ground on it for the harness all plugs right in. it was fine for like 2 weeks! then one night i said to my wife, "Im so glad that headlight problem is fixed!" that very second the headlights started turning off and on again. hahaha damn car
