Turbo4whl
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Flickering headlights, could also be the alternator.
Headlights flickering...
- Thread starter midwest
- Start date
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SquareRoot
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Could be the flux capacitor about to activate at precisely 91 mph thus sending him back to 1985?
Turbo4whl
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I was around in 1985. I was still running boost!
midwest
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So to update this thread (in case anyone else has this issue) I tried to set the record for the longest time putting off a simple repair. I drive my truck a lot and I have not had to drive it with the headlights since last year when I made this thread. I knew I had to haul some stuff this weekend before dawn so I replaced it with a new headlight switch from Autozone. So far this cleared up the issue. I only drove about 20 minutes with the headlights on but no issues.
Another thing is I had been having an issue with my cab lights. I had a thread going last year because a couple of my cab/roof lights were not working and my local electrician could not figure out why. It was to the point I was going to just buy a new set and replace them. I noticed when I installed the new headlight switch all the cab lights on the roof came on as well. So that's a bonus. Might be the best $20.00 I spent all weekend.
Another thing is I had been having an issue with my cab lights. I had a thread going last year because a couple of my cab/roof lights were not working and my local electrician could not figure out why. It was to the point I was going to just buy a new set and replace them. I noticed when I installed the new headlight switch all the cab lights on the roof came on as well. So that's a bonus. Might be the best $20.00 I spent all weekend.
edgephoto
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If the lights work for a short time then off and back on the most likely is the headlamp switch.
Instead of wasting time and effort to install relays why not just switch to LED headlamps? You will get more light output and they draw less current. LEDs do not dim with a change in voltage. As long as you are in the voltage operating range they will light up the same.
If you go with LED headlights make sure to buy DOT approved ones. The cheap Chinesium ones do not have a proper beam and you will piss off oncoming traffic and you will be seriously disappointed in them. Holley Retro brights have a nice pattern that really lights things up. Worth the money IMHO.
Instead of wasting time and effort to install relays why not just switch to LED headlamps? You will get more light output and they draw less current. LEDs do not dim with a change in voltage. As long as you are in the voltage operating range they will light up the same.
If you go with LED headlights make sure to buy DOT approved ones. The cheap Chinesium ones do not have a proper beam and you will piss off oncoming traffic and you will be seriously disappointed in them. Holley Retro brights have a nice pattern that really lights things up. Worth the money IMHO.
Grit dog
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And maybe surprisingly, available about everywhere auto parts are sold. I bought one at the local Vato Zone a few years ago when chasing an issue.
AuroraGirl
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removing the bulk of the voltage running through the switch will extend its life. idk if you know this but LED headlamps can still take sufficiently large amounts of juice. old wiring and the incredibly long runs of the wires and tendancy for low voltage operation possible (higher amps when low) , etc
Grit dog
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But the switch lasts 20-50 years avg running old incandescent lights and costs $20 and 5min to replace.
The reason(s) for any upgrades have little if anything to do with extending headlight switch life.
AuroraGirl
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i was naming off incidental benefits to doing so, because the relays lose 1 benefit (brighter) when in LED terms, but its still worthwhile
