Flickering lights... the saga continues... - Diesel Forum

Mike Lewis · 01-03-2006, 09:55 PM

I replaced my voltage regulator a week or two ago, and most of the flickering lights problem is gone. It was so bad I could see flickers in the headlights as I drove down the road.

ALL the voltage gauge flux is gone now.

However, I'm still getting flickering of the lights. Headlights... not really as pronounced as before the voltage regulator, but the interior lights (gauges) have a noticeable flicker.

I'm leaning towards alternator brushes or a bad headlight switch. What do others think?

Maybe I should go ahead and replace the headlight switch? I assume it is a Ford-only item. Is it easy to get to (just a matter of removing dash panel, unbolting, disconnecting connector, then installing new one and reversing the rest of the process?)

Thank you,

Mike

86lx · 01-03-2006, 10:07 PM

[ QUOTE ]
I replaced my voltage regulator a week or two ago, and most of the flickering lights problem is gone. It was so bad I could see flickers in the headlights as I drove down the road.

ALL the voltage gauge flux is gone now.

However, I'm still getting flickering of the lights. Headlights... not really as pronounced as before the voltage regulator, but the interior lights (gauges) have a noticeable flicker.

I'm leaning towards alternator brushes or a bad headlight switch. What do others think?

Maybe I should go ahead and replace the headlight switch? I assume it is a Ford-only item. Is it easy to get to (just a matter of removing dash panel, unbolting, disconnecting connector, then installing new one and reversing the rest of the process?)

Thank you,

Mike

[/ QUOTE ]
Prob a switch,I got mine from auto zone,I had flickering lights too,it takes about 15-20 min to do.Try it,good luck!

OkieGringo · 01-03-2006, 10:21 PM

Replace the switch (NOT a "Stealership only" item). And GO HERE and do the "Headlight Relay Mod" BEFORE the headlight switch goes into 'melt down' and takes out ALL THE OTHER WIRES under the dash [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]. It's a real ***** to get under the dash and cut out ALL the melted wires and splice in new wires. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]OkieGringo

Mike Lewis · 01-03-2006, 10:33 PM

Cool. Thanks guys... I'll get the switch in, but will have to take my chances for a few months... don't have time to do the headlight mod due to school. Crunch time, 3 months till graduation.

Heheheheh. I've been trying to avoid that one for a few years now. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img]

saldrukar · 01-03-2006, 10:40 PM

just replaced my headlight switch for the same reason, i would drive home at after work and about 15 min after i turn my headlights on they would start blinking, found out there is a relay built into the switch, so i got the switch and went to replace it and the plug was severely melted and three wires behind the plug were rock hard from being hot, so i called the local napa store and asked about a new plug they had one for about $9 also had wires and pins installed just butt together,( be prepared their computer did not show the listing for this plug assembly, but the parts guy remembered having it in stock )sorry no part #'s for ya

OkieGringo · 01-04-2006, 12:10 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Cool. Thanks guys... I'll get the switch in, but will have to take my chances for a few months... don't have time to do the headlight mod due to school. Crunch time, 3 months till graduation.

Heheheheh. I've been trying to avoid that one for a few years now. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, go ahead and wait. Just remember when your truck goes up in smoke [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img], that WE WARNED YOU!!!! Think of us [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] when you're "thumbin'" yer way to school [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]. OkieGringo

Mike Lewis · 01-04-2006, 02:18 AM

Hehehehe. Well, I always have the 'pala... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

I am going to invent a new product so that I can spend more time with my truck: the self-writing thesis. I can sleep, play, and do ANYTHING but work, and come to school in March to find a perfectly bound thesis, complete with all signatures, and a diploma on my desk.

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

OkieGringo · 01-04-2006, 09:43 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Hehehehe. Well, I always have the 'pala... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

I am going to invent a new product so that I can spend more time with my truck: the self-writing thesis. I can sleep, play, and do ANYTHING but work, and come to school in March to find a perfectly bound thesis, complete with all signatures, and a diploma on my desk.

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, yeah. I know lotsa guys with BS, MS & PhDs working a meanial jobs [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img]. Pala means shovel in Mexico, so you're gonna be standin' beside the road with a "Degree" and a shovel [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/biggrin.gif[/img]. We'd better not catch you driving a Chebby [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] Impala, or you might get "banned". If you lived closer, I'd come over and do the for for you. Good luck and we'll keep our fingers crossed for ya. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]OkieGringo

Mike Lewis · 01-04-2006, 11:42 AM

Yikes!! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

I'll get on that mod... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] In 3 months. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

agnem · 01-04-2006, 01:28 PM

But then you'll decide to sell it again. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Mike Lewis · 01-05-2006, 10:31 PM

How well do the NAPA switches compare to OEM? I can't seem to find the OE part number on the online catalogs... Was planning to go to Ford thinking that the quality of their switch would be better than some knockoff sold by NAPA, Auto Zone, etc.

Am I full of bull, or are the auto shops' switches just as good as OE?

cdnsarguy · 01-06-2006, 01:04 AM

Hey Mike do us a favor and list some info in a signature will you...

Here is info from Fordpartsonline.com

Mechanical Catalog - 1993 - Ford - F250
Electrical, Chassis electrical, Switches, Headlamp switch, HEADLAMP SWITCH, F250 Pick-Up - 1992-96, 1997-98 HD
List $31.58.... Sell $23.69

Mike Lewis · 01-06-2006, 10:48 AM

Thanks cdn...

I'll get on that signature... removed it awhile back.

Mike Lewis · 01-06-2006, 05:47 PM

I tracked down this switch from NAPA... local shop doesn't have it:
http://www.napaautomotive.com/master...light%20Switch

The switch manufacturer claims the switch might be better than the original equipment... Maybe... but not likely. 2-day shipping makes it nearly as expensive as the unit from Ford. Might be worthwhile if the quality is indeed better than OE.

Can anyone comment on this manufacturer's switch?

Ford's unit is $45, in stock. Of course, the cheapy switch for $15 sounds like it'd do the job... but you usually get what you pay for...

Thank you,

Mike

pafixitman · 01-06-2006, 07:06 PM

Mike,
Napa has that claim (or the parts manufacturer does) on a lot of the parts.

My opinion is you are getting hosed at retail at Ford. Try to get some sort of discount or "trade" price. I only paid something like $25 for mine from Ford. I had the fried wire harness also. Look in my photos here and you will see a pic of the connector. Relay mod pic is there also.